Kunun Zaki
Recipes | Ingredients | Equipment Kunun Zaki is a popular traditional Hausa beverage made from grains such as millet or sorghum, flavored with spices like ginger, cloves, and sometimes sweetened with sugar. It is commonly served chilled as a refreshing drink during meals, ceremonies, and social gatherings in Northern Nigeria.
- Time
- 2 hours
- Servings
- 7 servings
- Yield
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- millet (or sorghum)
- ginger
- cloves
- sugar
- water
- Yeast (optional)
Method
- Soak the millet in water for several hours or overnight.
- Wash and grind the millet with ginger and cloves into a smooth paste.
- Mix the paste with water and sieve to extract the liquid.
- Allow the liquid to settle for some hours, then decant the clear water on top.
- Boil part of the extracted liquid while stirring continuously until it thickens slightly.
- Mix the cooked portion with the remaining raw extract.
- Add sugar to taste and stir well.
- Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate before serving.
Notes
- The drink is best served chilled.
- Adjust sweetness depending on preference.
- Fermentation can be allowed for a slightly sour taste in some variations.
- Sorghum or maize can be used instead of millet.
Equipment
- Large bowl or container
- Blender or grinding stone
- Sieve or muslin cloth
- Cooking pot
- Wooden spoon
- Bottles or jugs (for storage)
Warnings
- Ensure proper hygiene during preparation to avoid contamination since it is a beverage.
- Do not leave the drink unrefrigerated for too long after preparation.