Eswatini | Drink

Incwancwa

A tangy Swazi fermented maize porridge with a refreshing sour taste — served as a cooling, nutritious drink-like porridge often enjoyed during warm weather.

Country
Eswatini
Region
Southern Africa
Time
35 min
Serves
6
Level
easy
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Recipe overview

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Incwancwa is a traditional fermented maize porridge that the Swazi people have enjoyed for generations. Unlike thick sishwala, incwancwa is thin enough to drink and has a pleasant sour tang from natural fermentation. It is particularly popular during the hot summer months as a refreshing, energy-giving drink, and is commonly served at communal work parties and gatherings.

What the dish tastes like

A tangy Swazi fermented maize porridge with a refreshing sour taste — served as a cooling, nutritious drink-like porridge often enjoyed during warm weather.

When to cook it

Best for Hot weather refreshment, with a easy cooking level and about 35 minutes total.

What to serve alongside it

Served as a standalone drink or light meal

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Servings: 6

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How to cook it

Step-by-step instructions

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1
Cook the porridge
Mix the maize meal with 500ml of cold water to form a smooth paste. Bring the remaining litre of water to a boil. Gradually stir the paste into the boiling water. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Cook porridge 15:00
2
Cool down
Remove from heat and let the porridge cool to lukewarm. It should be warm to the touch but not hot.
The temperature is important — too hot and it will kill the fermenting agents.
Cool 20:00
3
Add malt and ferment
Stir in the sorghum malt until well combined. Cover with a clean cloth and leave at room temperature for 24-48 hours, stirring once or twice during this time.
The longer you ferment, the more sour it becomes — 24 hours gives a mild tang, 48 hours is more pronounced.
4
Strain and serve
Once fermented to your liking, stir well and add water to thin to a drinkable consistency. Add sugar to taste if desired. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Incwancwa should be the consistency of a thin smoothie — pourable but with some body.

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