Welcome back to Paulina Cocina! Today we're going to make a drink, but not just any drink, but a hearty, warm, and filling one... We're talking about Oatmeal Atole , and while we're at it, we'd like to give our Mexican friends a shout-out for such a delicious creation.
Atole is one of those drinks that embraces the soul and warms the body, ideal for cold days when all you want to do is wrap your hands in a cup and let yourself be carried away by a sweet and creamy flavor .
Plus, it's so easy to make that after reading this oatmeal atole recipe , you'll want to make it every day. In this article, we'll explore everything behind oatmeal atole : its history, its variations, the secrets to making it spectacular, and of course, the step-by-step recipe for making it at home.
Content table
About Oat Atole
Oat atole is a drink made from oats cooked with milk, water and a touch of sweetness , resulting in a smooth and creamy texture that is simply irresistible.
Atole is a traditional drink in Mexico that has its origins in the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, who loved to prepare this thick corn-based drink .
Over time, different versions have been developed, such as guava atole or champurrado atole , and one of the favorites is, without a doubt, oatmeal , this noble and nutritious ingredient that can be used for so many recipes such as cookies or pancakes .
Oatmeal atole and its importance in culinary tradition
What is atole and what is it used for? As we've already mentioned, it's a thick, hot beverage, traditionally found in Mexico. Besides being comforting and filling, it's also nutritious thanks to the oats.
Traditionally, it is drunk in the morning or on cold days, and is highly valued for providing the energy and warmth needed to face the new day.
Origins of the oatmeal atole recipe
Oatmeal atole is typical of Mexico, although today it can be found in various parts of Latin America, and it also has certain similarities to the traditional oatmeal porridge commonly eaten in many countries.
In Mexico, it is common to see people enjoying a glass of oatmeal atole with water or milk on cold mornings, before starting the day or as an accompaniment to their favorite sweet bread .
This atole is especially consumed in winter, but it is also enjoyed during important celebrations, such as the Day of the Dead , along with a tasty pan de muerto , and also during Christmas holidays.
7 Reasons that make oatmeal atole special
- Creamy, smooth texture: Cooked oats give atole a perfect, thick yet light consistency that feels like a hug with every sip.
- Sweet and comforting flavor: With just the right amount of sugar or piloncillo, oat atole has that sweet flavor that's not cloying but delights the palate.
- Nutritious and healthy: Thanks to the oats, this atole is not only delicious but also nutritious. Perfect for starting the day with energy.
- Versatile: Oat atole can be prepared with water, milk, or a combination of both, allowing it to be tailored to individual tastes and needs.
- Easy to make: Although it seems complicated, it is an easy recipe and requires few ingredients.
- Perfect for the cold: There's nothing better than preparing this oatmeal atole recipe with milk on a winter day.
- Suitable for everyone: From children to adults, this is a drink that everyone can enjoy.
How to make oatmeal atole
Making the oatmeal atole recipe with milk or water is much simpler than it seems. Basically, it involves cooking the oats with milk (or water for a lighter texture) and adding a sweetener, such as sugar or brown sugar, until the mixture thickens.
The magic of this drink lies in the combination of ingredients and how to achieve that unique texture. Some people prefer to blend the oats for a thinner drink , while others prefer to feel the oat flakes saturating their taste buds. Either way, it's a simple and quick preparation .
6 Variations of oatmeal atole for all tastes
- Oatmeal atole with milk: This is the classic version, where the oats are cooked in milk, resulting in an even creamier atole.
- Oatmeal atole with water: A lighter but equally delicious option, perfect for those who prefer to avoid milk.
- Oatmeal atole with water and milk: Why not combine the best of both worlds? By combining water and milk, you achieve an ideal balance of flavor and lightness.
- With plant-based milk: For people who don't eat foods of animal origin. Prepared the same way.
- With cinnamon: Adding a touch of cinnamon to the preparation gives it a special flavor and aroma.
- With fruit: You can add pieces of fruit, such as apple or banana, when serving, for a fresh and sweet touch.
What is oatmeal atole usually served with?
Oat atole is delicious on its own, but paired with something else, it becomes a complete experience! Traditionally, it's enjoyed alongside sweet bread , which is similar to the facturas or medialunas we eat in Argentina.
You can also enjoy it with corn cream tamales Mexican classic that never disappoints. And for an even more comforting option, you can pair it with homemade chocolate chip cookies .
7 Tips and Secrets for Making the Best Oatmeal Atole
- Blend the oats with the milk before cooking: This helps create a smoother, more liquid drink.
- Use whole milk or a mixture of milk and water: Milk gives a thicker, creamier body.
- Add a touch of cinnamon: Cinnamon enhances the flavor and gives the atole a special aroma. It can be used in its entirety or in powder form.
- Sweeten to taste: Whether with sugar, brown sugar, or honey, it's important to adjust the sweetness to your personal taste.
- Stir constantly: This step is key to preventing the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Controlling the thickness: For a thinner atole, you can add a little more water or milk at the end of cooking, or blend the oats with the milk and water before bringing it to the boil.
- Serve it hot: Atole is always best enjoyed piping hot, so that all the flavors can be fully appreciated.
Follow on Instagram ( here )
and on YouTube that I upload new recipes every week ( click here )
Oatmeal Atole Recipe
Yields: 4 cups
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup of oatmeal
- 4 cups of milk (or a mixture of milk and water)
- 1/2 cup sugar or grated piloncillo
- 1 cinnamon branch
- 1 pinch of salt (optional)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
How to make oatmeal atole step by step
- Blend the oats together with the milk, or the milk and water (This step is optional).
- Place in a pot and heat the mixture together with the cinnamon stick, a pinch of salt, and the sugar or piloncillo.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking, for 8-10 minutes or until thickened. If it's too thick, you can add more milk or hot water little by little until the desired consistency is reached.
- Remove from heat, add vanilla extract (if using) and mix well.
- Serve hot.
