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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast » Avena (Mexican Oatmeal) + VIDEO

    Avena (Mexican Oatmeal) + VIDEO

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted February 23, 2021 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Avena (or Mexican Oatmeal) is the best way to start the day! A warm and comforting breakfast that’s perfect for cold mornings.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Mexican avena served in a blue bowl and topped with banana slices.

    Avena (or Mexican Oatmeal) is a staple in most homes.

    In Mexico, you’ll see it served like this in a bowl, or sometimes, you’ll see it served with more milk and in a cup for drinking.

    My son likes it in a bowl. I like mine in a cup.

    This recipe is super easy and super delicious. A warm and satisfying breakfast for chilly mornings.

    Mexican Breakfast Recipes:


    Chorizo con Huevos
    Papas con Huevos
    Huevos con Jamon
    Huevos a la Mexicana

    A collage showing how to make Avena, or Mexican oatmeal.

    • Add water to a stock pot.
    • Place the cinnamon stick and piloncillo cone in the pot.
    • Bring to a boil.

    Piloncillo is raw cane sugar. It will make your oatmeal sweet and yummy.

    If you can’t find it, omit and top the oatmeal with brown sugar instead.

    Is it okay to eat oatmeal everyday?
    There are studies that show that eating 1 1/2 cups of oatmeal per day can lower your cholesterol by 5% to 8%. Some people also report that eating oatmeal each day kept them fuller longer, thus avoiding overeating.

    A collage showing how to make Mexican oatmeal, or Avena.

    • Add the oatmeal and bring to a boil.
    • Then add the milk and vanilla.
    • Simmer for 5 minutes.

    Here, we’re using old fashioned oats.

    Quick oats is fine to use as well, but it will take less time to cook. So, add the quick oats, milk, and vanilla at the same time. Simmer for 5 minutes and done.

    Pro Tip:

    Out of milk? Use canned evaporated milk instead.

    You can also eat oatmeal without milk.

    A white bowl of avena next to dried oatmeal and a cinnamon stick.

    Above is a soup cup that’s filled with avena, or Mexican oatmeal. You’ll hear this version referred to as atole de avena. As you can see, it’s more of a drink.

    Toppings Ideas:


    Banana slices
    Berries
    Walnuts
    Pecans

    Mexican oatmeal served in a decorative Mexican clay cup.

    Vegan Oatmeal:

    Use whipped up mashed bananas, applesauce, or coconut cream to make the oatmeal creamy.

    Whether in a cup or a bowl, whatever version you like, it’s an easy and satisfying breakfast that is sure to hit the spot.

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Mexican avena served in a blue bowl and topped with banana slices.

    Mexican Oatmeal, or "Avena"

    Avena (or Mexican Oatmeal) is the best way to start the day! A warm and comforting breakfast that’s perfect for cold mornings.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 12 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 194kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups water
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 1 piloncillo cone
    • 1 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
    • 1/2 tsp vanilla
    • 2 cups milk
    • sliced banana (optional)

    Instructions

    • Add water, cinnamon stick, and piloncillo cone in a stock pot.
    • Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 4 minutes, or until piloncillo is fully dissolved.
    • Add oats.
    • Bring to a boil.
    • Add the milk and vanilla. Stir to combine.
    • Bring to a boil. Simmer 5 minutes.
    • Serve and top with bananas, if using.
    • Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Vegan version: Use coconut milk or almond milk. 
    For a thicker consistency, only use 2 cups of water. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 271mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Breakfast

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. FOODHEAL

      February 28, 2021 at 9:46 pm

      5 stars
      Oh, I love this Mexican way of cooking oats. It sounds so authentic and a must-try…

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 9, 2021 at 2:01 pm

        Definitely a must try! So glad you enjoyed this.

        Reply
    2. Ksenia prints

      March 2, 2021 at 1:17 pm

      5 stars
      Never tried Mexican oatmeal! This is going on my to-try list, for sure

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 2, 2021 at 3:23 pm

        You’re going to love it! Hope you try it

        Reply
    3. Amber Myers

      March 4, 2021 at 12:56 pm

      This looks delicious. I don’t think I’ve ever had oatmeal like this before, so I’m curious!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 16, 2021 at 10:31 am

        Hope you try this! It’s so yummy

        Reply
    4. Marta

      March 4, 2021 at 2:41 pm

      Avena is definitely comfort food for me. Growing up it was something I looked forward to eating.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 22, 2021 at 5:02 pm

        it’s delicious! Hope you try this recipe

        Reply
      • Angel

        January 24, 2022 at 7:27 am

        ME TOO! I had a friend who was from Mexico and I would love coming home afterschool to her momʻs oatmeal on the stove. I am soooo hoping this is the real deal!

        Reply
        • Maggie U

          August 15, 2022 at 3:33 pm

          Glad you guys enjoyed this recipe.

    5. Monica Simpson

      March 4, 2021 at 10:46 pm

      I love oatmeal. It really does keep me fuller longer. I’d love to try this recipe.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 19, 2021 at 1:36 pm

        Oatmeal is the best. Hope you try this recipe!

        Reply
    6. Marina

      March 5, 2021 at 2:03 am

      I love oatmeal and I eat it all week long. Will try your recipe x

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 16, 2021 at 10:28 am

        Oatmeal is delicious! Glad you liked it!

        Reply
    7. Dee

      November 28, 2021 at 11:58 am

      What happened to the old recipe?

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 1, 2021 at 6:11 pm

        Old recipe? I changed it years ago but not recently.

        Reply
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