In Spain, it’s impossible to get through the summer withouta large glass of horchata de chufa. This traditional Valencian drink, made from tiger nuts (chufas), is naturally lactose-free, delicately sweetened, and incredibly refreshing. Served ice-cold, it’s perfect for an afternoon snack or a sweet treat, especially with the famous fartons—long, soft brioche rolls typical of Valencia.
Recipe (about 1 liter)
Ingredients
- 250 g dried tiger nuts (chufas)
- 1 liter of very cold water
- 80 to 100 g sugar (to taste)
- 1 small piece of lemon zest (optional)
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)
Preparation
- Soak the tiger nuts in a large bowl of water for 24 hours, changing the water two or three times.
- Drain them, then rinse them thoroughly.
- Pour the tiger nuts into a blender with about half the water. Blend for several minutes until the mixture is very smooth.
- Add the rest of the water, then blend again.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth, a plant-based milk bag, or a very fine sieve, pressing firmly to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Stir in the sugar, then, if desired, the lemon zest and cinnamon. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Let cool for several hours in the refrigerator before serving with plenty of ice cubes.
Horchata keeps for about 48 hours in the refrigerator and is always best enjoyed very cold. For an even more authentic experience, serve it with fartons, the long buns traditionally dipped in this Valencian specialty.
🪧Where can you find tiger nuts (chufas)? Also known as chufas in Spain, tiger nuts are small tubers with a naturally sweet and slightly nutty flavor. In Brussels, they’re easy to find in some Spanish grocery stores, organic shops, as well as at several stores specializing in natural foods or online. They’re generally sold dried, ready to be rehydrated before use.
