Go Back

Navajo Red Sumac Berry Pudding | CHIIŁCHIN

Course Dessert
Cuisine Apache

Equipment

  • Sauce pan
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Sieve
  • Whisk
  • Stovetop or hotplate
  • Large bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water
  • 3 T red sumac berries
  • ¼ cup cornmeal or flour
  • 2 T granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup water

Instructions
 

  • Pour 1 cup of water into sauce pan and bring to a boil.
  • Strain sumac berries through a sieve to remove excess.
  • Whisk sumac berries, cornmeal, sugar and salt in large bowl.
  • Add ¾ cup of water to mix and whisk.
  • Add mixture to boiling water in saucepan.
  • Cook for 3-5 minutes, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

The Diné (Navajo) communities enjoy pudding made out of red sumac berries called ""Chiiłchin."" The berries are picked, washed and sundried. The sumac berries are available through Valley Trading Post or Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI).