Boza (Nutritious fermented beverage)

Boza, also bosa, is a fermented beverage very popular in Bulgaria. It is a malt drink, made from wheat or millet. It has a thick consistency and a low alcohol content (usually around 1%), and has a slightly acidic sweet flavor. It is reach in carbohydrates and vitamins. Together with banitsa, it is a part of a traditional Bulgarian breakfast. If you are looking for a twist, try it with cinnamon and roasted chickpeas.

Ingredients:

- 5 litters water

- 2 cups flour

- 2 cups sugar

- 1 cup boza (here's the trick, you can't make boza without boza). However, read on for our easy solution.

Directions:

Bake the flour until salmon pink, watch out for overcooking and burning it. Stir while baking. Add a little cold water to it. Add the mixture to the pot with the rest of the water, add the sugar and stir until it starts to boil. After bringing to a boil, stir for another 5 min. Remove from heat, cool it down and add the cup of boza or a cup of the mixture you can use instead (look below for directions how to make it). Keep in a warm place for the next 2-3 days until it ferments. Store in bottles in the fridge after that. Consume cold.

Here's what you can use for the fermentation process if you don't have previously made boza.

- 2 tablespoons flour

- 1 tablespoon water

- 1 tablespoon sugar

Bake the flour until pink, add the water and the sugar. Leave in a warm place for 2-3 days until it ferments. Stir occasionally.