Tej, or honey wine, is a traditional Ethiopian drink that dates back centuries. It’s a sweet and slightly effervescent beverage enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations. This recipe guides you through the process of making Tej at home, allowing you to experience the unique flavors and cultural richness of this Ethiopian honey wine.
Ethiopian Tej (Honey Wine) Recipe
A step-by-step guide to making Tej, the traditional Ethiopian honey wine, bringing the authentic taste of this celebratory beverage to your home.
Equipment
- glass cup
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- raw honey
- cinnamon sticks
- ginger
- orange
- gesho leaves
- wine yeast
Instructions
- Ensure all your equipment, including fermentation vessels, airlocks, and utensils, is thoroughly sanitized to prevent contamination.
- In a large pot, combine the raw honey and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the honey. Bring it to a gentle boil.
- Once the honey solution is boiling, add cinnamon sticks, cloves, ground ginger, and orange zest. Allow it to simmer for about 10-15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the honey solution cool to room temperature. Do not proceed to the next step until the mixture is cool.
- Sprinkle wine yeast or bread yeast over the cooled honey solution. Stir well to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed.
- Pour the honey and yeast mixture into a sanitized fermentation vessel. Ensure there is some headspace for the fermentation process.
- Add the dried gesho leaves to the mixture. Gesho leaves contribute to the characteristic flavor of Tej. If gesho leaves are not available, you can substitute with hops or a handful of raisins.
- Seal the fermentation vessel with an airlock. Place the vessel in a cool, dark place to ferment. Allow it to ferment for about 2-4 weeks. During this time, the mixture will develop bubbles and the characteristic flavor of Tej.
- After the initial fermentation, you can rack the Tej into a clean vessel, leaving sediment behind. Allow it to age for an additional 2-4 weeks for a smoother flavor.
- Once fermentation and aging are complete, bottle the Tej in clean, sanitized bottles. Allow it to carbonate for a week before refrigerating.
- Tej is traditionally served chilled. Pour into glasses and enjoy this Ethiopian honey wine during festive occasions or as a delightful beverage.
Video
Notes
The fermentation time may vary, so monitor the process by observing bubbles in the airlock. Additionally, it's crucial to maintain proper sanitation to prevent contamination during the fermentation process.
Nutrition
Serving: 600g
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