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+ servings
A glass cup of Turkish boza topped with cinnamon, roasted chickpeas, and mint leaves, served on a wooden board with a spoon.
5 from 1 vote

Turkish Boza

A perfect smoothie-like Turkish drink made from bulgur and rice.
Yields: 6 servings
PREP 22 hours
COOK 20 minutes
TOTAL 22 hours 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS
  

  • cups bulgur
  • ½ cup rice
  • 8 cups water for boiling
  • ½ teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar to feed the yeast
  • 1 cup lukewarm water for activating yeast
  • cups sugar adjust to taste
  • 6 cups water for thinning
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for serving
  • 2 tablespoons roasted chickpeas optional, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • Rinse the bulgur and rice thoroughly. Transfer them to a large pot.
  • Add 8 cups of water and cook over medium heat until both are very soft.
  • Once the mixture reaches a mushy, porridge-like texture, strain it. Then press it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the tough solids. Discard the pulp.
  • Let the strained mixture cool to room temperature.
  • In a small bowl, mix the yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 cup lukewarm water.
  • Add the yeast mixture to the cooled bulgur-rice base. Whisk well to combine.
  • Cover the pot and let it ferment in a cool, dark place for up to 24 hours. In hot weather, 6–8 hours may be enough. Stir occasionally to let it breathe.
  • After fermentation, start by adding 1 cup of sugar and 6 cups of water. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Taste and add more sugar gradually if needed, mixing well after each addition. Adjust the water if necessary to achieve a thick but pourable consistency (like drinkable pudding).
  • Chill before serving. Pour into glasses, sprinkle with cinnamon, and garnish with roasted chickpeas if desired.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge and consume within a few days.

NUTRITION

Calories: 702kcalCarbohydrates: 166gProtein: 14gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 63mgPotassium: 425mgFiber: 18gSugar: 79gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 74mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Course Snack
Cuisine Turkish
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