Asaana is a non-alcoholic Ghanaian drink made from fermented corn and caramelized sugar. Caramelized sugar is simply sugar mixed with water and cooked or heated until darkened or sugar heated solo until the dark brown colour is achieved.
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It is known as Elewonyo in some parts of the country. The English of Asaana is Caramelized corn juice
Ingredients for preparing Asana(Elewonyo)
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- Fermented corn
- Sugar
- Water
- Milk(optional)
How to prepare Asaana
1. Soak crushed corn in water for about three to four days to ferment.
2. Bring fermented corn to boil for about 35 to 45 minutes till the foamy substance on it clears.
Strain the corn from the water using a strainer. Then use a cheese cloth or a fabric napkin to strain the water again.
3. Heat sugar till it turns dark brown.
In a separate pot, add 1 cup of sugar and let it melt on medium to low heat. The goal here is to caramelize or brown the sugar without burning it. If the sugar burns, the drink will have a bitter taste.
Also, the browning of the sugar is what gives Elewonyo or Asaana its rich dark color.
4. Strain the water from the boiled fermented corn and add to the caramelized sugar and stir.
Once the sugar is nicely browned or caramelized, add the boiled and strained corn water into the browned sugar while stirring continuously until everything is well mixed.
Tip: Make sure the corn water is still very hot and NOT warm or cold. The hot water will help prevent the sugar from hardening when stirring the corn water into the sugar.
5. Add milk if preferred and ice cubes and enjoy. Can be stored in the fridge for later use too.
Drink it at room temperature or with ice.
Benefits of Asana(Elewonyo)
- It is believed to prevent constipation
- It prevents anemia
- And it lowers blood pressure as well as cholesterol level.
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