How to Make Traditional Mexican Atole
Atole is a warm, comforting Mexican beverage that combines the earthy flavor of masa with cinnamon, piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar cones), and vanilla. This traditional drink has been enjoyed for centuries and is especially popular during festive occasions and chilly mornings. Here's how to make this delicious Mexican hot beverage in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup masa (corn dough or masa harina)
- 5 cups water
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons piloncillo or brown sugar cones
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
This recipe serves five, making it perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Directions
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Place the masa, water, cinnamon, and piloncillo in a blender. Blend the ingredients for about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth. This step ensures the masa is evenly distributed, giving the atole its characteristic creamy texture.
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Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture heats up to prevent lumps from forming.
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Once the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and whisk continuously for 5 minutes. This helps thicken the atole and ensures a silky-smooth consistency.
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Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a fragrant sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon and piloncillo.
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Pour the atole into mugs and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of atole contains approximately 68 calories, 0.4 g fat, 14.1 g carbohydrates, 1.1 g protein, 0 mg cholesterol, and 8 mg sodium.
Tips for a Perfect Atole
- For added flavor, try infusing the water with a cinnamon stick instead of using ground cinnamon.
- You can substitute piloncillo with brown sugar or maple syrup if needed.
- Experiment with add-ins like chocolate or fruit puree to customize your atole.
Enjoy this rich and traditional Mexican hot beverage as a cozy treat for breakfast or dessert.
