Cookbook:Lekhchef (Algerian Raisin Drink)


 * Beverages | Cuisine of Algeria

Lekhchef (الخشاف) is a refreshing Algerian drink from Constantine.

Ingredients

 * 1 L water
 * 2 cinnamon sticks
 * 150 g raisins, rinsed well
 * Sugar to taste
 * Orange blossom water
 * Rose water

Procedure

 * 1) Combine the water and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
 * 2) Add the raisins to the boiling water, and simmer over low heat.
 * 3) Sweeten drink to taste with sugar, and stir over very low heat to dissolve sugar.
 * 4) Remove from the heat, remove the cinnamon sticks, and let the drink completely cool down.
 * 5) Flavour with orange blossom water and rose water.
 * 6) Put the beverage in the refrigerator and serve very cold with or without raisins.

Notes, tips, and variations

 * If you decide to blend the final mixture, do not add sugar, as your drink might end up too sweet.