Atol de Elote

Name: Atol de Elote
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Salvadoran
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh corn kernels; 4 cups whole milk; 4 cups water; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 tbsp sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 4 tbsp cornstarch

A warm, creamy corn-based drink sweetened with cinnamon and vanilla. A comforting traditional breakfast beverage.

35 minEasyServes 4140 cal/serving

SalvadoranNon-Alcoholic DrinkStovetopVegetarian

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Ingredients

4 cups fresh corn kernels
4 cups whole milk
4 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
4 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

1

Combine 4 cups fresh corn kernels, 4 cups water, and 1 cinnamon stick in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2

Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
3

Return the strained liquid to the pot. Whisk 4 tbsp cornstarch with a small amount of milk in a separate bowl to create a slurry, then add to the pot.
4

Pour in the remaining 4 cups whole milk and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent lumps.
5

Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 4 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt.
6

Pour into mugs and serve warm.

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Questions

Why mix the cornstarch with water first in Atol de Elote?

Step 3 reads: "Whisk 4 tbsp cornstarch with a small amount of milk in a separate bowl to create a slurry, then add to the pot." Dry starch clumps the moment it meets hot liquid. The slurry in step 3 disperses it first, and it only thickens once the sauce comes back to a simmer.

What can I use instead of cornstarch in Atol de Elote?

The entry for Atol de Elote calls for 4 tbsp cornstarch. In its place: Use twice as much all-purpose flour and cook it a few minutes longer, or the same amount of arrowroot or tapioca starch.

Can I make Atol de Elote dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Atol de Elote is 4 cups whole milk. Swap the milk for unsweetened oat or soy milk. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Atol de Elote vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 4 cups whole milk. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan non-alcoholic drink collection.

How many calories are in Atol de Elote?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 140 calories, with 2 g protein, 28 g carbohydrate and 3 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 180 mg sodium.

Serve it with

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