Nigeria / Drinks
Nigerian Pito
Pito is a local drink common in Nigeria. In Lagos specifically, pito is majorly hawked in the street in an earthen pot or drum to keep it chilled.
Ingredients
- Dried guinea corn, dried; also called guinea corn
- Sugar, optional
Quantities are auto-calculated from the original recipe as a guide. Items without numbers (e.g. “to taste”) are not changed.
Method 9 steps
Grind guinea corn into a powder.
Transfer ground guinea corn into a wide bowl, add enough water to fully cover. Stir well with a spatula.
Let the mixture rest until it settles into two phases. Drain the water away.
Pour the guinea corn slurry into a pot and bring to a boil.
After boiling, cool the mash and leave it to ferment for 1 day.
Boil mixture again for a few minutes over medium heat.
Set a sieve over a bowl, and pour the guinea corn mixture into it. Discard the solids.
Stir in sugar if desired, and allow pito to cool.
Serve cold over ice.