Description
Boza is a traditional fermented malt drink with a thick, creamy texture and mildly sweet, tangy flavor. Topped with cinnamon and roasted chickpeas, it’s a comforting and historic beverage popular in Turkey and the Balkans.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fine bulgur
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 cups water (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup roasted chickpeas (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine bulgur and 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40–45 minutes, stirring often, until soft and thickened.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then blend until smooth in a blender or food processor.
- Return the blended mixture to the saucepan, add sugar and remaining 1 cup of water. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring to combine.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely to room temperature.
- Dissolve yeast in 1 tablespoon warm water, then stir into the cooled mixture.
- Cover loosely and leave at room temperature to ferment for 24–48 hours, stirring occasionally until mildly tangy and slightly bubbly.
- Transfer to jars or bottles and refrigerate.
- To serve, pour into glasses and top with cinnamon and roasted chickpeas.
Notes
- Use fine bulgur for a smoother texture and faster cooking.
- Cool mixture fully before adding yeast to preserve live cultures.
- Adjust sugar after fermentation to reach desired sweetness.
- Strain after blending for a silkier texture, if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg