A most unusual drink made with millet, fenugreek, fennel, wheat and cumin seeds. It is normally prepared in very large quantities and it is believed to have many medicinal properties, particularly for stomach ache.
I find that this drink is definitely an acquired taste, but Libyans swear by it!
50 g (2 oz) millet
50 g (2 oz) chickpeas
15 g (½ oz) fennel seeds
15 g (½ oz) cumin seeds
15 g (½ oz) whole allspice
50 g (2 oz) whole wheat
50 g (2 oz) fenugreek
Put all the ingredients, with the exception of the fenugreek, on a large baking sheet and place in an oven preheated to 350°F, Gas Mark 4 for about 20 minutes or until they begin to change colour. Remove from the oven, mix in the fenugreek and leave to cool.
Reduce this mixture to a powder (a coffee grinder is excellent for this task!), then store in a tightly sealed jar.
To serve, mix 1 level tablespoon of the powder in a glass with 1 tablespoon of sugar and cold water. Some people like to strain this mixture through fine muslin into another glass to get rid of the coarser sediments.
Makes 24 - 30 glasses.
country : Libya
course : beverage
source : North African Cookery / Arto der Haroutunian