Mexican Oatmeal (or Avena) + VIDEO

Mexican Oatmeal, or “Avena,” is creamy and delicious. Full of milky yumminess that will keep you fuller, longer throughout the day.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As always, all opinions are mine.

Growing up, my abuelita and my mom would make avena (or Mexican Oatmeal) for breakfast. We’re talking EVERY morning a bowl of this warm yumminess was served in front of me. After a while, I got sick of it. Where were my breakfast tacos? My pan dulce? We had that too, but “avena” was quick-to-make and filling. Who can argue with the wisdom of an abuelita, anyways? It’s weird, but I still think about that creamy, deliciousness every single morning.

American oatmeal is good. Please don’t get me wrong. Mexican oatmeal is creamier because of the amount of milk used. What an easy way to increase protein intake! An 8 oz. glass of milk contains 9 essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein. A large egg, for example, only has 6 g of protein. When you get enough protein at breakfast, you are fuller longer. Americans tend to eat most of their protein in the evening. I wonder if my abuelita knew how good avena was for us… ?

This Mexican Oatmeal recipe uses two glasses of milk. At about 25 cents a glass, you can afford to give your big, fat Mexican family tons of avena and not break the bank. Another important thing to note is that regular white milk has NO added sugar. Mind blown, right? The sugar in the milk comes naturally from occurring lactose. Hope you enjoy!

Print Recipe

Mexican Oatmeal, or "Avena"

Avena, or Mexican Oatmeal, is creamy and delicious. Full of milky yumminess that will keep you fuller, longer throughout the day.

Prep Time2 mins

Cook Time10 mins

Total Time12 mins

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 4

Calories: 204kcal

Author: Maggie Unzueta

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• sliced banana optional

Instructions

• Add water and cinnamon stick in a medium-sized saucepan.
• Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 4 minutes.
• Add salt and oats. Stir frequently until the water has been absorbed.
• Add the milk and sugar. Stir to combine.
• Serve and top with bananas, if using.
• Enjoy!

Notes

Some people will add more milk and have it like a hot drink. 

To do this, you will need to add more sugar. This is to taste. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust from there. 

For a vegan version: use coconut milk or almond milk. 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Mexican Oatmeal, or "Avena"

Amount Per Serving

Calories 204 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Cholesterol 12mg4%

Sodium 212mg9%

Potassium 234mg7%

Carbohydrates 33g11%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 19g21%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 200IU4%

Calcium 173mg17%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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