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  Tiger nut milk is a naturally sweetened and richly creamy drink with a nutty flavour. it is popularly prepared in North-Western Nigeria called Kunnu Aya. The drink is not only native to Nigerian Northerners but to Spanish indigenes. It is called Horchata de Chufa to residents of that part of the world.
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The tiger nut drink can serve as a much healthier alternative to milk. Compared to almonds or other nuts which have been reported to be high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, tiger nut milk is known to be rather rich in healthy fats, as well as minerals and vitamins. Tiger Nuts, on their own, are a rich source of nourishment and remain a significant source of food for both the poor and the wealthy throughout northwest Africa. They contain a large number of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, as well as vitamins C and E.  They are a reliable source of oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil, avocado and pork fat), and which is associated with increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels. For this reason, adding tiger nut drinks is safer than other dairy products. Additionally, Tiger nuts have prebiotics, serving as a source of food to nourish the good bacteria that are found in the gut. This means that they perform the same task as insulin and resistant starch. Tiger nuts are a member of the nutsedge family, traditionally used in native medicine along with ginger and mints to treat upset stomachs, digestive issues, and irritable bowels. Although they bear the name “nuts”, tiger nuts are not nuts. They are tiny tubers with a nut-like flavour and nut-like texture. Individuals who are medically advised to avoid nuts can make tiger nuts an excellent alternative in baking and cooking.

Preparation 

Tiger nut milk or Kunnu Aya has its own traditional Nigerian method of preparation. The result should provide natural soft, sweet creamy notes and a flavour reminiscent of roasted chestnuts.
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The ingredients for making this special type of milk include:
  • 4 cups Tiger Nuts
  • 10 dates
  • 1500 ml of water
  • 1 Ceylon cinnamon stick
  • 3 cardamom pods
  • Ginger or Alligator pepper

Equipment Needed:

  • High-performing blender or Miller
  • Bowls
  • Refrigerator
Prep Time: 5 mins Soaking: 12 hours Total Timeline: 13 hours
  • Pour the tiger nuts, dates and cinnamon stick into a medium-sized mixing bowl, and cover them with warm water. Allow them to soak in the water for at least 12 to 24 hours or until softened.
  • Transfer the tiger nuts, cinnamon stick and dates together with soaking water to the high-powered blender and blend to a smooth paste, adding water as necessary to allow even blending.
  • Separate chaff from milk with a sieve having tiny holes then, drain into a bowl.
  • Allow the milk to sit in the fridge for an hour to rest, and then spoon it into a nut milk bag or cloth, press it through to remove difficult debris and serve over ice.
Tiger nut milk or Kunnu aya is a very simple meal that can be made by soaking the tiny tubers in water and blending. For a spicy and more sweetened result, you can add spices like cardamom and cinnamon as well as sweeteners such as dates, watermelons, coconut and not too often, sugar.  In Nigeria, its taste can be enhanced with ginger and alligator pepper from time to time. Featured Image Source: All Nigerian Foods
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This article was first published on 19th August 2021

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