Creamy Plantain Atole: The Perfect Tamaliza Companion

Step aside, hot chocolate! There's a new warm beverage in town, and it's bursting with tropical flavor and creamy texture: Plantain Atole. This comforting drink, a staple in many Latin American cultures, transcends the typical hot beverage. Forget blandness; prepare for a rich, subtly sweet experience that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe plantains with a hint of spice. Imagine the velvety smoothness coating your tongue, the warmth spreading through you on a chilly evening. It’s more than just a drink; it’s an experience.

Plantain Atole is surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a handful of accessible ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you'll find this recipe incredibly manageable. This delightful beverage is especially perfect alongside tamales, offering a delightful contrast in texture and taste during your next tamaliza. Ready to learn how to craft this delicious treat? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step process.

Tools Needed

  • Stove
  • Pot
  • Blender

Ingredients

  • Ripe, firm plantains: 2
  • Water
  • Milk
  • Cinnamon stick: 1-2
  • Allspice
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Cold water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare and Cook the Plantains

  • Wash plantains thoroughly, remove tips, and cut in half.
  • In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add cinnamon stick and allspice, cut in half to release flavor. Cover to prevent evaporation.
  • Once fragrant, add plantains to the boiling water. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, remove plantains from the pot. Once lukewarm, peel and cut in half, removing seeds.
Wash plantains thoroughly, remove tips, and cut in half. In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add cinnamon stick and allspice, cut in half to release flavor. Cover to prevent evaporation.Once fragrant, add plantains to the boiling water. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.After 15 minutes, remove plantains from the pot. Once lukewarm, peel and cut in half, removing seeds.
Prepare and Cook the Plantains

Step 2. Blend and Heat the Plantain Base

  • Blend the cooked plantains with the cooking liquid (without the spices) until smooth.
  • In the same pot, gently heat the blended plantain mixture over medium-low heat.
Blend the cooked plantains with the cooking liquid (without the spices) until smooth.In the same pot, gently heat the blended plantain mixture over medium-low heat.
Blend and Heat the Plantain Base

Step 3. Incorporate Milk and Thicken

  • Once warm, gradually incorporate warm milk into the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
  • Add sugar to taste.
  • Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch dissolved in cold water).
  • Bring the atole to a boil, stirring until thickened.
Once warm, gradually incorporate warm milk into the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Add sugar to taste. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch dissolved in cold water).Bring the atole to a boil, stirring until thickened.
Incorporate Milk and Thicken

Step 4. Serve

  • Serve warm.
Serve warm.
Serve

Read more: Quick & Easy Pantry Mexican Rice with Rotel

Tips

  • To prevent curdling, ensure the milk is warm before adding it to the blended plantain mixture. Avoid mixing milk with acidic ingredients.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 250-350
  • Fat: 2-5g
  • Carbs: 50-70g
  • Protein: 2-4g

FAQs

1. Can I use green plantains instead of ripe ones?

While ripe plantains are ideal for their sweetness, you can use green plantains for a less sweet, slightly savory atole. Just be aware the consistency might be slightly thinner.

2. What if I don't have masa harina? Can I use another type of flour?

Masa harina is best for the authentic texture, but you can experiment with other flours like all-purpose flour, but the result will not be the same. Expect a slightly different consistency and flavor.

3. How can I store leftover atole?

Store leftover atole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.


So there you have it – a creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious Plantain Atole, the perfect complement to your next tamaliza. This simple recipe elevates a traditional beverage to a new level of flavor and enjoyment. Now go forth and create a truly unforgettable culinary experience!