Enjoy this Atole De Pinole for those cold days or nights to keep you warm from the inside out! The delicious caramel smell and sweet cinnamon taste will make you fall in love with it!
What Is Pinole Anyway?
Pinole is not well known in the U.S. or the rest of the world for that matter, but it’s a very popular ingredient in Mexico used since pre-Hispanic times. For those who don’t know, this Mexican ingredient is made from roasted corn kernels, then ground into a fine flour flavored with cinnamon and sometimes piloncillo.
The original pinole was made from purple corn, since it’s softer and easier than other varieties to turn into a fine flour by hand. However, in modern times you can find many different colors of corn/pinole. The most common, has a light brown color and a delicious caramel smell that makes you fall in love with it!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Pinole is used to make drinks and other dishes, but for me, and it’s the most popular way to consume it in Mexico, is to make Atole.
Do not confuse Pinole with Maseca though! The difference is that Maseca is pure ground corn without any other ingredients. The original name is Del náhuatl Pinolli which means Flour from Corn. You can find Atole at your local latin store and even online.
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Ingredients
You only need 5 ingredients to mix up this delicious atole. It is a simple recipe with simple ingredients. Amounts included in the full recipe card below.
- Pinole
- The milk: I use unsweetened almond milk but you can use your preferred type of milk.
- A cinnamon stick
- Brown sugar or Piloncillo
- Vanilla extract
How To Make Atole De Pinole
Making this recipe takes no time at all. Gather all your ingredients because this is super easy to make.
- In 1 cup water, add the pinole to dissolve and set aside.
- In a medium sized pot, add the milk, cinnamon sticks, vanilla and sugar/piloncillo.
- Heat over medium high heat and when the milk starts to boil, add the pinole mixture and continue to cook over medium heat.
- Continue to cook for about 10 minutes on medium-low. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overflow! Stir often to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom and burning.
- Turn off and enjoy warm.
The consistency will be thick like a light gravy or heavy cream.
Storing and reheating
Fridge– Once the Pinole has cooled down, you can refrigerate in a glass jar with a lid or an airtight storage container for up to a week.
To reheat on the stove: Place the leftover atole in a heavy bottom saucepan and heat through just until hot. Reheat it slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until steamed through.
In the microwave: Place the desired amount in a microwave-safe cup or mug and heat for 30 seconds at a time until fully warm.
Ways to enjoy Atole De Pinole
Atole always goes perfect with something sweet like empanaditas, churros, marranitos, or your favorite pan dulce.
It also goes great with:
- tamales
- pambazos
- chicken tinga
- or your favorite Mexican dish!
MORE EASY…
Warm drinks you might enjoy:
I hope you like this recipe! Share it, or leave a rating and comment below. For questions that need an answer right away, please contact me and I’ll get back to you asap. Gracias!!!! xx, Ana
Print Recipe:
Atole De Pinole
Ingredients
- ½ cup pinole
- 4 cups milk (your favorite kind)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ cup brown sugar or 2 ounce piloncillo or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In 1 cup water, add the pinole to dissolve and set aside.
- In a medium sized pot, add the milk, cinnamon sticks, vanilla and sugar/piloncillo.
- Heat over medium high heat and when the milk starts to boil, add the pinole mixture and continue to cook over medium heat.
- Continue to cook for about 10 minutes on medium-low. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't overflow! Stir often to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom and burning.
- Turn off and enjoy warm. The consistency will be thick like a light gravy or heavy cream.
Muy Delish Notes:
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Nutrition
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I had never tried this before, but it was hit at a family gathering. Loved the recipe.
This was so delicious. I tried it for the first time and we loved it so much.
I had never heard of atole de pinole before I stumbled on this recipe but it looks delicious and like a great hot drink for a cold day. Adding pinole to my grocery list so that I can give this recipe a try!!
Yum! This rich sweet drink was a hit!
This sounds like such a warming and comforting drink. I’d never heard of pinole!
This atole de pinole turned out delicious! My family truly enjoyed during the holidays. Can’t wait to make it again!
Thanks Cecy for the feedback! I’m so happy you and the family enjoyed it. Happy New Year!
I really enjoyed this Atole De Pinole! It reminds me of my abuelita. Thanks for the recipe!