Chicha de Papaya

Chicha de Papaya Recipe - A Refreshing Drink from Peru

Region / culture: Peru | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicha de Papaya is a refreshing and tropical drink made with papaya, pineapple juice, lemon juice, apricot nectar, and sparkling 7-Up. This drink is perfect for hot summer days or as a sweet treat any time of year.

History

Chicha de Papaya is a traditional drink from Latin America, particularly popular in countries like Peru and Ecuador. It is often served at celebrations and gatherings as a refreshing and fruity beverage.

Ingredients

2 cups of cut up papaya (peeled and seeded)
1 cup of pineapple juice
0.25 cup of lime or lemon juice
1.5 cups of papaya nectar (or peach or apricot nectar)
1 cup of ice cubes
2 cups of sparkling water, ginger ale or 7-up

How to prepare

Blend all the ingredients together in a blender until thoroughly mixed.
Pour the mixture into a pitcher and add 2 cups of sparkling water, ginger ale, or 7-Up.
Serve the drink over ice and enjoy!

Variations

You can add other tropical fruits like mango or passion fruit to this recipe for a different flavor profile.
For a creamier version, blend in some coconut milk or yogurt.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe papaya for the best flavor in this recipe.

- Adjust the amount of sugar or sweetener to taste, depending on the sweetness of the fruit.

- You can also add a splash of rum or vodka for an adult version of this drink.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicha de Papaya over ice with a slice of lime or a sprig of mint for garnish.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is blending the ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find apricot nectar, you can substitute with peach nectar or orange juice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fruit mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just add the sparkling water or 7-Up right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicha de Papaya in a clear pitcher or glass to show off the vibrant color of the drink.

Pairing Recommendations

This drink pairs well with spicy or savory dishes, as the sweetness helps balance out the flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chicha de Papaya in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

120 per serving

Carbohydrates

30g per serving

Fats

0g per serving

Proteins

1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This drink is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium from the papaya and pineapple.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens like nuts, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

Chicha de Papaya is a low-fat, low-protein, and high-carbohydrate drink that is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicha de Papaya is a delicious and tropical drink that is perfect for any occasion. With its refreshing flavors and easy preparation, it's sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Peru. My grandmother, who was a fantastic cook, had passed away and I found myself missing her delicious dishes more than ever.

One day, as I was rummaging through her old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded and tattered piece of paper. It was a recipe for Chicha de Papaya, a traditional Peruvian drink made from ripe papayas and a few simple ingredients. I had never heard of this drink before, but the ingredients sounded delicious and I knew I had to give it a try.

I carefully read through the recipe, taking note of each step and ingredient. It called for ripe papayas, sugar, water, lime juice, and a touch of cinnamon. The instructions were simple and straightforward, but I could tell that this drink was going to be something special.

Excited to try my hand at making Chicha de Papaya, I set off to the market to gather the ingredients. I carefully selected the ripest papayas I could find, making sure they were sweet and fragrant. I purchased the rest of the ingredients and headed back home to start cooking.

In the kitchen, I followed the recipe to the letter, chopping the papayas into small pieces and blending them with the sugar, water, and lime juice. The mixture turned a beautiful shade of orange as I added a sprinkle of cinnamon, giving it a warm and comforting aroma.

As the Chicha de Papaya simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its sweet and spicy scent, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. I thought of my grandmother, who had taught me so much about cooking and had instilled in me a love for traditional Peruvian dishes.

When the Chicha de Papaya was finally ready, I poured myself a glass and took a hesitant sip. The flavors exploded on my tongue, the sweetness of the papayas blending perfectly with the tangy lime juice and warm cinnamon. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a perfect balance of flavors that reminded me of home.

From that day on, Chicha de Papaya became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, special occasions, or just for myself when I wanted a taste of home. Each time I made it, I would think of my grandmother and the joy she had brought to my life through her delicious recipes.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different variations and ingredients. But no matter how I make it, Chicha de Papaya will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of my roots, my heritage, and the love that my grandmother passed down to me through her passion for cooking.

As I sit here now, sipping on a glass of Chicha de Papaya and reminiscing about the past, I am grateful for the memories and traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And I know that as long as I continue to make this drink, my grandmother's spirit will always be with me, guiding me through the kitchen and filling my heart with love and warmth.