Learn how to Make Piko and Brukina- A Ghanian Locally Made Drink and Its Surprising Health Benefits

Pito is a traditional Ghanaian alcoholic beverage made from fermented sorghum or millet. It’s a popular drink, especially in the northern regions of Ghana. Here’s a basic recipe for making Pito at home:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of sorghum or millet
• Water
• Yeast (optional, traditionally obtained from previous batches)
• Sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• Ginger (optional, for flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Grains:

• Rinse the sorghum or millet thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

1. Soak the Grains:

• Place the rinsed grains in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow the grains to soak for about 12 to 24 hours. This helps to soften the grains and initiate the fermentation process.

1. Grind the Grains:

• After soaking, drain the water and grind the grains into a coarse paste using a mill or a food processor.

1. Fermentation:

• Transfer the ground grains into a clean, non-metallic container or a traditional pito brewing vessel if available. Add water to the mixture to create a thick porridge-like consistency.
• Allow the mixture to ferment for 2-3 days. During fermentation, natural wild yeast from the environment or a small amount of yeast from a previous batch will ferment the sugars in the grains, producing alcohol.

1. Strain the Liquid:

• After fermentation, strain the liquid from the solid residue using a clean cloth or fine mesh strainer. The liquid collected is your pito.

1. Sweeten and Flavor (Optional):

• If desired, you can add sugar for sweetness and grated ginger for flavor. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.

1. Bottle and Age:

• Pour the pito into clean, airtight bottles and allow it to age for an additional 1-2 days. This allows the flavors to develop further.

1. Serve:

• Chill the pito in the refrigerator or serve it at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own or with snacks.

Not only is pito cherished for its refreshing qualities, but it also holds cultural significance. It is deeply intertwined with various social occasions and rites of passage, including festivals, marriages, and funerals. The drink serves as a symbol of unity and community bonding, bringing people together to celebrate and share stories. Its cultural importance has kept the tradition of pito brewing alive for generations.

Remember that the alcohol content of homemade pito can vary, and it’s important to consume it responsibly. Additionally, if you’re new to brewing, consider seeking guidance from someone experienced in pito-making to ensure a successful fermentation process.

Brukina – A Ghanian Drink, How to Make it and Its Health Benefits

Brukina, also known as Burkina or Bournvita, is a popular traditional millet or sorghum-based beverage in some West African countries. It’s a nutritious and refreshing drink often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack. Here’s a simple recipe for making Brukina:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup millet or sorghum flour
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk
• Sugar to taste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Groundnut (peanut) powder for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Millet or Sorghum Base:

• In a bowl, mix the millet or sorghum flour with a cup of water to form a smooth, lump-free paste.

1. Cook the Base:

• In a pot, bring the remaining 3 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, gradually add the millet or sorghum paste while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should thicken.

1. Sweeten the Mixture:

• Add sugar to taste, and continue stirring until the sugar dissolves. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.

1. Add Milk:

• Pour in the evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk and stir well to combine. If using vanilla extract, add it at this point for extra flavor.

1. Simmer and Thicken:

• Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The brukina should thicken to a consistency similar to porridge.

1. Cool and Serve:

• Remove the pot from heat and let the brukina cool to a warm or room temperature.

1. Garnish (Optional):

• Sprinkle groundnut (peanut) powder on top for added flavor and texture. Some variations also include spices like nutmeg or cinnamon.

1. Serve:

• Serve the brukina in cups or bowls. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

Brukina is a versatile beverage, and you can adjust the ingredients and proportions to suit your taste. Experiment with different garnishes and spices to create your preferred version of this traditional West African drink.

This is a muslim drink that you can find sold at any bus station or local market in small plastic bottles. You can also purchase it from the comfort of your car while stuck in traffic from the road sellers. We advise you to buy it from the local markets where it’s served fresh. A local market you can find it in, is the Osu local market (found at the end of Oxford Street, walking towards Osu Presbyterian church).

Benefits of this drink? Contains vital nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, manganese, tryptophan, phosphorus, fiber, vitamin B and antioxidants.

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