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Avena (or Mexican Oatmeal) is a staple in most homes.
This recipe is super easy and super delicious made from whole grain oats. A warm and satisfying breakfast for chilly mornings.
My son prefers it in a bowl and topped with a few banana slices. Delicious!
Don’t confuse this with Atole de Avena, the more liquid version served in a cup for drinking. Also delicious!
- Add water to a stock pot.
- Place the cinnamon sticks 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 it and top the oatmeal with brown sugar instead.
- 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. Instant Oatmeal 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.
Table of Contents
Pro Tip:
Out of milk? Use canned evaporated milk instead. You can also eat oatmeal without milk.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to eat oatmeal every day?
Some people also report that eating oatmeal each day kept them fuller longer, thus avoiding overeating. Because most diets fail, eating oatmeal can be a great help. The type of milk you use can also make a difference.
Is oatmeal good for you?
There are studies that show that eating 1 ½ cups of oatmeal per day produces a positive effect of lowering cholesterol by 5% to 8%. Other health benefits include lower blood pressure, immune system support, and a great source of dietary fiber.
Vegan Oatmeal:
Swap out cow’s milk for almond milk. 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.
Topping Ideas:
- Banana slices
- Berries
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Almonds
- Brown sugar
Mexican Breakfast Recipes:
Avena, or Mexican oatmeal, is a deliciously sweet and cinnamon-infused breakfast treat that can be prepared in just minutes. With its warm and comforting flavors, this creamy dish is sure to become a new favorite for oatmeal lovers everywhere.
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Mexican Oatmeal, or "Avena"
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 piloncillo cone
- 1 ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ teaspoon 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!
Delicious, thank you so much for this recipe! I was a little concerned that I wouldn’t like the watery consistency but there was really no need for that, it turned out so creamy! I had a block of panela from LIDL (German here, hello!) so I had to google the weight of a piloncillo cone (200 g??) and reduced the sugar to 70 % which was a good choice for me personally. I recommend you play around with the sugar a little 🙂 But do not change anything else on your first try, the flavour is delectable.
I will definitely be making this again.
Sounds delicious! So glad you made it your own.
Excellent recipe. The secret is the cinnamon stick simmered to create a subtle flavour. I don’t have access to piloncillo cones so I use muscovado/turbinado sugar. Very good…I love Avena..
Thank you for your kind words! I completely agree with you – the cinnamon stick definitely adds a lovely depth of flavor to this recipe. Avena is one of my favorite breakfasts, especially during colder months.
Omg! My new favorite oatmeal!!!! Although my Scottish half needed it much thicker. Lol! I used half the water, a small piloncillo, and added another half cup of oats. I will making this ALL the time! I bet it would be amazing with some diced apples! THANK YOU!!!
That’s great to hear. Glad you enjoyed the avena.
Can you save for later ? How long will it last in the fridge ?
Absolutely! Save that goodness for later. Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. Your tasty avena will be good for up to 3 days. Enjoy your Mexican oatmeal anytime!
What happened to the old recipe?
Old recipe? I changed it years ago but not recently.
I love oatmeal and I eat it all week long. Will try your recipe x
Oatmeal is delicious! Glad you liked it!
What size piloncillo cone is used?
I used a regular 8oz pilloncillo. Not the small ones. If you use the small ones, use at least 2. Maybe 3 depending on what size you find.