Old-Fashioned Mexican Oatmeal (Avena)
User Reviews
4.5
Old-Fashioned Mexican Oatmeal (Avena)
Description
This traditional Avena recipe starts by steeping cinnamon sticks in boiling water to infuse flavor, then adding oats and salt to simmer until soft. Milk is incorporated towards the end, further enriching the texture and flavor. The long cooking time yields a creamy consistency that is richer than quick-cooking oat preparations.
The oatmeal can be served thinner or thicker depending on added liquid and is commonly flavored with ground cinnamon and sweeteners like sugar or honey. Optional toppings such as raisins, blueberries, and walnuts add bursts of sweetness and texture contrast to the creamy base.
The notes suggest blending the cooked oats into a smooth atole for those preferring a drinkable texture, suitable for young children or elderly family members. Lactose-intolerant individuals can use dairy-free milk alternatives such as almond or oat milk. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to a week and reheat gently with added liquid to maintain creaminess.
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 3 cinnamon stick
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup milk low-fat evaporated milk, milk, or almond milk
- ground cinnamon optional
- sugar optional
- honey optional
- raisins optional
- blueberries optional
- walnuts optional
Instructions
- In a saucepan bring the water with the cinnamon sticks to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Discard the cinnamon sticks.
- Add salt and oats to the water and let it come to a boil uncovered. Lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add milk and simmer for an additional 15 minutes until creamy.
- Serve in a bowl and add more milk or water if you want it thinner. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sweeten with sugar or honey. Serve garnished with blueberries and walnuts.
Notes
- Pureeing the cooked oats creates atole, a smooth drinkable form suitable for children and elderly.
- Use lactose-free or plant-based milk alternatives for dairy intolerance.
- Customize toppings with fruit, nuts, seeds, and different sweeteners for variety.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to one week, reheating with added milk or water to adjust consistency.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 986 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 98.6kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 16.23g | 5% |
| Protein | 3.68g | 7% |
| Fat | 2.33g | 4% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.8g | 4% |
| Cholesterol | 3.05mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 99.63mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 119.22mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2.74g | 11% |
| Sugar | 1.77g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 49.41IU | 1% |
| Calcium | 65.65mg | 7% |
| Iron | 0.97mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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