Mageu (Fermented Maize Drink)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Maize meal (mielie-meal) — 150 g (1 cup)
- Water — 1.5 L (6 cups)
- Plain wheat flour (to encourage fermentation) — 2 tbsp
- Sugar, to taste — 3 tbsp
- Salt, a pinch
Method
- Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan and whisk in the maize meal to make a thin porridge. Cook for
- minutes, stirring often, then remove from the heat and cool to lukewarm.
- Stir the plain flour into the cooled porridge to help kick-start fermentation.
- Pour the mixture into a clean glass or ceramic jar, cover loosely with a clean cloth (not an airtight lid, so gases can escape), and leave in a warm spot for 2 to 3 days, stirring once a day, until pleasantly sour.
- Once fermented to taste, strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids.
- Stir in the sugar and salt to taste, then refrigerate until well chilled.
- Serve cold, stirring well before pouring as the mixture settles.
Introduction: Mageu is a lightly fermented, slightly sour, non-alcoholic maize drink with deep roots across Southern Africa, traditionally made from the leftover liquid of cooked mielie-meal porridge left to ferment naturally.
Cultural Background: Mageu is a lightly fermented, slightly sour, non-alcoholic maize drink with deep roots across Southern Africa, traditionally made from the leftover liquid of cooked mielie-meal porridge left to ferment naturally. It has long been valued as a refreshing, nourishing drink for workers and families alike, and remains widely enjoyed today, both homemade and sold commercially in cartons.
Tips: Fermentation time depends on room temperature — warmer conditions ferment faster, so taste daily from day 2 onward until it reaches the sourness you like. Always use a clean, sterilised jar to avoid unwanted bacteria.
Variations: Some households add a spoonful of natural yoghurt to speed up and flavour the fermentation, giving a tangier result. Naturally vegan as written; no adjustment needed.
Storage: Refrigerate in a covered jug for up to 4 days; it will continue to slowly ferment and sour in the fridge.
Reheating: Not applicable — mageu is served cold. The World Cookbook Project — South Africa — Full Recipes Page 50
Nutrition: Approx. 70 kcal, 1 g protein, 16 g carbohydrate, 0 g fat per serving.
FAQs:
Q: Is mageu alcoholic?
A: No, mageu is a lightly fermented but non-alcoholic drink, safe for all ages.
Q: Why does my mageu smell strongly sour?
A: A pleasant tang is normal, but if it smells off or shows mould, discard it and start again with a clean jar.
- Maize meal (mielie-meal) — 150 g (1 cup)
- Water — 1.5 L (6 cups)
- Plain wheat flour (to encourage fermentation) — 2 tbsp
- Sugar, to taste — 3 tbsp
- Salt, a pinch
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