How to Make Kunun Zaki (Millet Gruel)

How to Make Kunun Zaki (Millet Gruel)

by | Dec 18, 2021 | Local Delicacies

Today, I have come with another northern Nigerian drink for you – Kunun Zaki; Kunu meaning ‘pap’ the letter ‘n’ is added at the end of the word to show possession; and Zaki meaning ‘sweet’, together we have Kunun Zaki literarily translated as ‘pap for sweet’. Absurd right? Of course yes, but not its sweetness. In this article, I will be sharing with you my expertise in the preparation of Kunun Zaki. Stay with me.

It is worth noting that Southern Kadunas usually called Chongais and called by Hausas ‘Katafawa’ are best known for the making of this recipe. If you have tasted theirs, you will attest to this fact. Anyways, without making you wait for long, let’s quickly get into business!

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make Kunun Zaki

3 cups of millet

Sugar to taste

2 litres of water

Spices (dried ginger, dried pepper, and cloves (kaninfari).

Now that you know the ingredients, let’s dive into its preparation:

Procedure for Preparing Kunun Zaki

STEP 1: Pick up dirt from the millet.

STEP 2: Pour the millet into a bowl or a container and wash it with water thoroughly and drain the water. Then;

STEP 3: Pour in another fresh water and allow to soak for 6 hours. If you wish to prepare this drink in the morning, you could soak it overnight. That will do just fine.

STEP 4: By now, the millet is a bit softer than its original state. Now wash the millet again and drain the water.

STEP 5: Add ginger, pepper, and cloves (kaninfari)

STEP 6: Advisably, grind it using a blender if it is in small quantity. However, for large quantities, grind it using a grinding machine (injin nika) in the Hausa language. Grind it until it turns to paste.

STEP 7: Separate the pastes into two different bowls and add a little water to both of them.

STEP 8: Over medium heat, place a clean pot and add water to it. Allow to boil.

STEP 9: Pour the hot water into the first bowl and stir it immediately (this is to avoid forming lumps) until it is thick as if you are preparing pap.

STEP 10: Cover it well and allow cooling. After cooling, add the bowl containing the second paste into it and stir it.

STEP 11: Pour it into a cheesecloth and sieve it. Then;

STEP 12: Add cold water and sugar to your taste.

STEP 1: Ta-da! Your Kunun Zaki is ready!

How to Serve Kunun Zaki

Kunun Zaki is poured in jugs and served in cups. You could take it with Cincin, Fankasau, Dublan, Buns, some even take it with bread. Because of its cheapness also, unskilled labourers love to take it together with bread to save money.

Occasions to Serve Kunun Zaki

Well, Hausas usually don’t use this drink for occasions or festivals. However, the Southern Kadunas serve this in almost all of their occasions, gatherings, festivals, etc.

How to Store Kunun Zaki

Advisably, make this recipe in the quantity you can consume now as it does not last for more than 24 hours unrefrigerated. Regardless, the moment its taste changes to sour, discard it.

On the contrary, it can last for a few days if refrigerated, but its sweetness is greatly altered.

Nutritional Value of Kunun Zaki

Kunun Zaki has the potential to improve the digestive system, protect the heart, improve respiratory health, manage diabetes, and detoxify the body as millet is the major constituent. It also contains a good mix of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin A (beta-carotene), iron, and potassium because of the cloves (kaninfari in it).

For more health benefits of Kunun Zaki, visit Health Guide Nigeria.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make Kunun Zaki (Millet Gruel), you should try making it for your consumption or your family. As a Hausa person, you could try serving it on that occasion of yours that is coming soon or festival for a change. People like positive changes you know, so surprise them.

If you find this article helpful, please leave a comment in the comments section below. Thank you.

You are always welcome to Northpad Nigeria for more local Northern Nigerian delicacies.

A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Make Dulce De Leche at Home

A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Make Dulce De Leche at Home

by | Aug 21, 2021 | Food & Kitchen

Hello! Our recipe today is this easy Dulce De Leche. No, no, say it again with me Dool-Say-Dee-Lay-Chay, yeah that’s about right. It means “sweet milk”. In this article, I will be teaching you how to make this recipe.

What Is Dulce De Leche?

This is a thick, brown, delicious, addicting confection that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a drip on cakes and even eaten with donuts and other pastries. This recipe when it hardens can be eaten as candy as it becomes chewy and tasty.

How to Make Dulce De Leche?

There are different ways to making this – from stovetop to microwave to oven. It all depends on your choice and resources. In this article, I’ll put you through 2 different ways to make this using condensed milk and powdered milk. Excited? I hope. Let’s get to it.

1. Dulce De Leche Recipe with Condensed Milk

This is the simplest and easiest to make as you only need just an ingredient. Just 1? Yes, just one.  You get time to do other things while they are in the oven.

Ingredient for Making Dulce De Leche with Condensed Milk

  • A can of condensed milk

Procedures

  • Get a can of condensed milk.
  • Empty its content into a bowl or baking dish.
  • Cover this with aluminum foil tightly.
  • Put this bowl or baking dish into a bigger bowl or dish. We’ll be bathing the smaller bowl in it.
  • Pour in hot water into the bigger bowl to cook.
  • Place this into the oven and bake for at least an hour. The longer, the darker the paste. Yes!
  • Remove from the oven, take off the foil and give a quick whisk.
  • That’s it. You just made Dulce De Leche in the simplest way.

2. Dulce De Leche Recipe with Powdered Mik

This calls for attention and stirring almost all through so as to avoid burning and zero results.

Ingredients for Making Dulce De Leche with Powdered Milk

  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Vanilla extract

Procedures

  • In a pot or pan, add milk. You could use whole milk or dissolve powdered milk in water.
  • Add sugar.
  • Bring this to a boil for at least an hour. Make sure you pay attention at this point.

When the milk starts to boil, it comes to the top of the pot and pours, you don’t want that. It takes time to clean the work area.

  • Allow water to evaporate as you continue to cook and stir.
  • This begins to caramelize, add in baking powder.
  • You’ll notice bubbles immediately. This helps in thickening almost immediately.
  • Stir constantly to avoid burning.
  • Add in a teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir.
  • Allow thickening to your desire.
  • Turn off heat and transfer to a container or a jar. Enjoy!

Ways to Serve

The milk caramel makes everything better. As a result, it can be spread in brownies, cookies, waffles, cakes, and pancakes.

Occasion(s) to Serve Best

This can be served with friends and families for anniversaries or even on birthdays. Use this as a filling for the cake or as a topping.

Health Benefits of Dulce De Leche

Its main ingredient constitutes milk and milk is fortified with the presence of calcium. It keeps you full and provides you with energy.

How to Store?

Simply store this in the refrigerator as it can last up to 2-3 days depending on the quantity you made.

Conclusion

With these simple easy steps, you can now make your Dulce De Leche at home. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you!