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Atol de Elote (Guatemalan Sweet Corn Drink)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

  • 6 ears (6 ears) fresh corn, kernels removed
  • 1 l (4 cups) whole milk
  • 100 g (8 tbsp) sugar
  • 1 cinnamon (1 stick) stick
  • 1 pinch salt

Method

  1. Blend the corn kernels with 250 ml (1 cup) of the milk until smooth.
  2. Strain the blended corn through a fine sieve into a saucepan, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible; discard the solids.
  3. Add the remaining milk, sugar, cinnamon stick and salt to the saucepan.
  4. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a smooth, drinkable consistency.
  6. Remove the cinnamon stick and serve hot in mugs.

Introduction: Atol de Elote is a warm, thick drink made from fresh corn, sold by street vendors in the evening across Guatemala and enjoyed as a comforting snack, particularly during the corn harvest season when fresh ears are at their sweetest.

Cultural Background: Atol de Elote is a warm, thick drink made from fresh corn, sold by street vendors in the evening across Guatemala and enjoyed as a comforting snack, particularly during the corn harvest season when fresh ears are at their sweetest.

Tips: Stir constantly once the mixture starts to thicken, as it can catch and scorch on the bottom of the pan.

Variations: A version using masa harina as a thickener instead of blended corn is common when fresh corn is unavailable.

Storage: Refrigerate up to 2 days in a sealed container.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring, adding a splash of milk if too thick.

Nutrition: Approx. 230 kcal, 6 g protein, 6 g fat, 38 g carbohydrate per serving.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use frozen corn?

A: Yes, thaw first and blend as you would fresh kernels, though flavour is best with fresh sweet corn.

Q: Is Atol de Elote the same as Mexican atole?

A: It is closely related, part of the same Mesoamerican atol tradition, though the Guatemalan version is typically less thick and lightly less sweet.

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