Colada Morada

Name: Colada Morada
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Ecuadorian
Ingredients: 2 cups purple corn flour (or dried purple corn); 2L water; 1 cup blackberries; 1 cup strawberries, halved; 1 cup mortiño berries (or blueberries); 1 cup naranjilla pulp; 2 cinnamon sticks; 6 whole cloves; 4 allspice berries; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup chopped pineapple; Juice of 2 limes

Colada Morada (koh-LAH-dah moh-RAH-dah)

Purple Corn and Berry Drink

⏱ Prep Time 15 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 185 kcal

A thick, spiced purple corn drink simmered with Andean berries, cinnamon, and cloves, served warm during Day of the Dead with guaguas de pan bread figures.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 2.0g

Carbs 42.0g

Fat 1.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large pot blender fine strainer

Presentation Guide

Vessel: ceramic mug

Garnishes: cinnamon stick, berry

Accompaniments: guaguas de pan

Ingredients

2 cups purple corn flour (or dried purple corn)
2L water
1 cup blackberries
1 cup strawberries, halved
1 cup mortiño berries (or blueberries)
1 cup naranjilla pulp
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
4 allspice berries
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped pineapple
Juice of 2 limes

Instructions

1
Simmer purple corn flour in water with cinnamon, cloves, and allspice for 30 min. Strain.
2
Blend blackberries, mortiño, and naranjilla with 1 cup water. Strain into the corn liquid.
3
Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Return to a simmer.
4
Add strawberries, pineapple, and lime juice. Cook 10 min more.
5
The drink should be thick, deep purple, and fragrant with spices.
6
Serve warm in ceramic mugs with guaguas de pan.

💡

Did You Know?

The deep purple color of colada morada symbolizes the blood of the deceased — it is a ritual offering left at gravesites during Día de los Difuntos.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
blender
fine strainer

Garnishing

cinnamon stick, berry

Accompaniments

guaguas de pan

The Story Behind Colada Morada

Colada morada is a pre-Columbian ritual drink associated with Andean ancestor worship that was syncretized with Catholic Day of the Dead celebrations. Purple corn, considered sacred by the Inca, provides the dramatic color. The combination of Andean berries, spices, and corn creates a drink found nowhere else on earth. Every Ecuadorian family has a closely guarded recipe.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed day of the dead (november 2) 📜 Origins: Pre-Columbian Andean ritual

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