Cookbook:Kunnu (Nigerian Grain Beverage)

Kunu, also called kunnu or kununzaki, is a popular drink in Nigeria, originating from the north of the country. It is made from millet, corn, or sorghum, and it is rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. The process of making kunnu is simple but time-consuming due to the required soaking, blending, and fermentation.

Ingredients

 * Millet grains, de-hulled
 * Fresh ginger, peeled
 * Cloves (konofiri)
 * Sweet potato (optional), peeled
 * Sugar (optional)
 * Water

Procedure

 * 1) Soak the millet in water for 2 days, changing the water every 7 hours, to allow the grain to ferment.
 * 2) Wash the millet with clean water, and place the grains in a blender. Add ginger, cloves, and sweet potato, and a small amount of water. Blend until smooth.
 * 3) Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl, and mix in some cold water to thin the mixture.
 * 4) Carefully pour the slurry into a sieving bag, and sieve the mixture to separate out the chaff. You will likely need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your sieve. Discard the chaff.
 * 5) Allow the sieved liquid to settle for about 7 hours, so the thick sediment sinks to the bottom.
 * 6) Gently sieve away the clear liquid, leaving the settled/thick mixture in the bowl.
 * 7) Pour some hot water over remaining sediment, in the same manner as preparing pap. The amount of water you add depends on how thick or thin you want your kunu.
 * 8) Sweeten the kunu with sugar if desired.
 * 9) Chill and serve with ice cubes. Enjoy with any snack of your choice.

Notes, tips, and variations

 * The millet can also be substituted with corn or sorghum grains.