What is Atole de Elote?
Atole is a type of classic Mexican hot beverage made with hearty grains or nuts, Mexican brown sugar, and cinnamon. Typically these drinks are sweet, earthy, and utterly comforting… Curling up with a hot mug is a fabulous way to warm up on a cool evening! The most common version is Atole de Elote made with corn (etole). Another fun variation is called Champurrado, which is made with Mexican chocolate mixed into the corn atole. You can also make different varieties of traditional atole with rice (arroz), almonds (avena) and walnuts (nuez). Here we share simple ingredients and steps to prepare a delicious corn atole in just 15 minutes. This recipe is terrific for making a large batch of this traditional drink; then add your own flair to create the beverage of your dreams.
Ingredients You Need
Milk – whole is bestWater – to perfectly smooth out the texture of the drinkCanned sweet corn – drained (or use fresh corn if it is available) Piloncillo sugar – or light brown sugarMasa harina – AKA corn flourSalt – just a bit to balance the sweetnessGround cinnamon – for a delightful earthy and sweet finishVanilla extract – to bring together all of the tasty flavors as a true dessert beverage
Optional garnishes: corn kernels, ground cinnamon, or cinnamon sticks.
How to Make Mexican Atole de Elote
Set out a blender. Drain the canned corn and place it in the blender, reserving a small handful to use as a garnish. Add 1 cup of water. Cover the blender and purée until smooth. (Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to blend the corn and water in a large pot.) Next, set a large saucepot over medium-high heat. Pour the corn purée into the pot followed by the milk, remaining water, piloncillo sugar, masa harina, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk well to incorporate the masa. Continue to heat and stir the atole mixture until it comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken just a little. The atole should be thick enough to coat a spoon but not too thick (like gravy.) Turn off the heat, and stir in the vanilla extract. Ladle into mugs, and give each mug a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. Pro Tip: To make extra smooth atole, pour the hot mixture through a mesh sieve. We also like to add a small bit of additional whole corn kernels on top, and serve with a cinnamon stick for stirring. Enjoy with a plate of Mexican chocolate crinkle cookies or thick slices of Budin de Pan (bread pudding).
Looking For More Delicious Drinks? Be Sure To Also Try These Easy Recipes:
Mexican Mocha RecipeSalted Caramel Hot Apple CiderBest Chai Tea RecipeFrench Hot Chocolate RecipeDrinking Caramel Recipe
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