Authentic Peruvian Emoliente Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of Barley
  • 1 Horsetail herb
  • 2 cups of Water
  • 1/2 cup of Flax seeds
  • 1 tablespoon of Plantain leaves
  • 1 tablespoon of Alfalfa sprouts
  • 1 tablespoon of Boldo leaves
  • Sugar or Honey to taste
  • 2 Fresh lemons
  • Ice cubes

Steps and instructions

  1. First, rinse the barley under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Place the barley in a large pot, add water, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the barley is tender and the water has a gelatinous consistency.
  4. Strain the barley water into a large bowl and let it cool.
  5. While the barley water is cooling, prepare an infusion with the horsetail herb, flax seeds, plantain leaves, alfalfa sprouts, and boldo leaves. To do this, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the herbs and seeds, cover the pot, and let it steep for about 15 minutes.
  6. Strain the infusion into the bowl with the barley water, making sure to press out as much liquid as possible from the herbs and seeds.
  7. Add sugar or honey to taste, and stir until it's fully dissolved.
  8. Squeeze the juice of two fresh lemons into the mixture and stir well.
  9. Finally, serve the emoliente over ice cubes, and enjoy!

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different herbs or herbal blends for the infusion, such as chamomile, mint, or ginger.
  • Add other nutritious seeds or grains to the barley water, such as quinoa, chia seeds, or amaranth.
  • Experiment with sweeteners by using maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia instead of sugar or honey.
  • Include fresh fruits or fruit juices for added flavor and nutrients, such as orange juice, pineapple juice, or diced apples.
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a hint of warmth and aroma.
  • Try serving the emoliente warm instead of over ice cubes, especially during colder months.
  • For a creamier texture, blend the mixture with a ripe avocado or a spoonful of yogurt.
  • Make it a mocktail by adding a splash of rum or pisco for a unique twist.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like mint leaves or a slice of lemon for an extra pop of freshness.

Recipe overview

Emoliente is a traditional Peruvian drink that is not only refreshing but also packed with medicinal properties. It is typically consumed in the morning or late at night and is believed to have many health benefits, including improved digestion and stronger immune function. This recipe will guide you through the process of making your very own Emoliente at home. The preparation involves making a gelatinous water with barley, and infusing a mixture of various medicinal herbs and seeds. The final drink is sweetened with sugar or honey and balanced with the fresh tang of lemon juice. Emoliente is typically served over ice, making it a perfect beverage for hot summer days or whenever you need a health-boosting refreshment. Keep in mind that the barley needs to simmer for about 2 hours, and the herbs need to steep for 15 minutes, so this recipe does require some time. However, the result is a refreshing and nutritious drink that you can enjoy daily!

Common questions

  1. What is emoliente? Emoliente is a traditional Peruvian herbal drink that is known for its health benefits and soothing properties.
  2. What are the key ingredients in emoliente? The key ingredients in emoliente include barley, horsetail herb, flax seeds, plantain leaves, alfalfa sprouts, boldo leaves, sugar or honey, fresh lemons, and ice cubes.
  3. How long does it take to make emoliente? It takes around 2 hours to cook the barley and prepare the infusion, but the overall preparation time is about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  4. Can I use any other herbs or seeds in the infusion? The listed herbs and seeds are commonly used in emoliente, but you can experiment with other herbs or seeds according to your preference.
  5. Can I adjust the sweetness level of emoliente? Yes, you can adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sugar or honey according to your taste.
  6. Can I make emoliente without barley? Barley is a key ingredient in emoliente as it gives the drink a gelatinous consistency, but if you cannot find barley, you may try substituting it with other similar grains like quinoa or oats.
  7. Can I make a large batch of emoliente and store it? Emoliente is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate any leftover drink for up to 2 days. Remember to stir before serving as some separation may occur.
  8. Is emoliente served hot or cold? Emoliente is traditionally served cold over ice cubes. However, you can also enjoy it warm if you prefer.
  9. What are the health benefits of emoliente? Emoliente is believed to have various health benefits, such as aiding digestion, promoting hydration, supporting liver function, and providing essential nutrients from the herbs and seeds used.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - This is needed to cook the barley and prepare the infusion.
  • Strainer - Used to strain the barley water and the herbal infusion.
  • Large bowl - Used to collect and cool the barley water.
  • Spoon - Used to stir the mixture and dissolve sugar or honey.
  • Citrus juicer - Required to extract juice from fresh lemons.
  • Ice cube tray - Used to freeze water into ice cubes for serving.

Origin stories

Emoliente is a traditional Peruvian drink, cherished not only for its unique taste but also for its medicinal properties. Its origins are rooted in the Andean culture where local herbs and grains were employed to create potions and concoctions for various health benefits. This humble beverage, often sold in the streets of Peru by vendors known as 'emolienteros', encapsulates a fascinating blend of indigenous and colonial influences. Its ingredients, like barley, are introduced by the Spanish, while others, like plantain leaves and horsetail, are native to the Andean region. Bursting with flavors, emoliente is more than just a drink; it's a testament to Peru's rich cultural heritage and an enduring love for natural remedies. So, as you sip on this refreshing beverage, you're not only quenching your thirst but also connecting with a piece of Peruvian history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.