Kambu Koozh (Pearl Millet Porridge Drink)
A traditional Tamil Nadu fermented drink made from pearl millet (kambu). The millet is cooked, mashed, and left to ferment overnight with water, then served chilled with buttermilk. Kambu koozh is a natural probiotic, intensely cooling, and has been the go-to summer drink of Tamil farmers for centuries.
Prep Time
5 min + overnight ferment
Cook Time
15 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
easy
Ingredients
- Pearl millet (kambu/bajra) flour — 1 cup (120 g)
- Water — 4 cups
- Buttermilk — 1 cup
- Salt — 1 teaspoon
- Small onion (shallot), finely chopped — 2 (for serving)
- Green chili, finely chopped — 1 (for serving)(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Mix the pearl millet flour with 1 cup of cold water to form a smooth slurry, ensuring there are no lumps.
- 2
Bring the remaining 3 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Slowly pour the millet slurry into the boiling water, stirring continuously.
- 3
Cook on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a porridge-like consistency. It should be thick but pourable.
- 4
Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer to an earthen pot or large glass container.
- 5
Once cooled, add the buttermilk and mix well. Cover loosely with a cloth or lid (not airtight) and leave at room temperature overnight (8-12 hours) to ferment.
- 6
The next morning, the koozh will be slightly tangy and thickened. Add cold water to thin it to a drinkable consistency. Add salt and stir well.
- 7
Serve chilled in a glass or clay tumbler. Top each serving with chopped small onions and a little green chili for the traditional experience.
Tips
- •Fermenting in an earthen pot (man paanai) gives the most authentic taste and keeps the koozh naturally cool.
- •The fermentation time can be adjusted. 8 hours gives a mild tang, 12-14 hours gives a stronger sour flavor. In hot weather, fermentation happens faster.
- •Kambu koozh is an excellent rehydration drink in summer. It replaces electrolytes lost through sweat and the fermentation provides beneficial probiotics for gut health.