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

    Avena (Mexican Oatmeal) + VIDEO

    Last Updated March 24, 2023. 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
    A bowl of avena (or Mexican oatmeal) topped with sliced bananas.
    Mexican oatmeal served in a decorative Mexican clay cup.
    A bowl of Avena (or Mexican oatmeal) topped with sliced bananas.

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

    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! 

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

    • 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.

    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. 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.

    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.

    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 1/2 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.

    Mexican oatmeal served in a decorative Mexican clay cup.

    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

    A bowl of avena (or Mexican oatmeal) topped with sliced bananas.

    Mexican Breakfast Recipes:

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

    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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    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 43 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 12 minutes 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, Mexican, Recipes

    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
    8. Briann

      January 28, 2023 at 4:29 am

      5 stars
      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!!!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        February 13, 2023 at 11:12 am

        That’s great to hear. Glad you enjoyed the avena.

        Reply
    9. Karen Freeman

      February 12, 2023 at 8:14 am

      5 stars
      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..

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 28, 2023 at 11:43 am

        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.

        Reply
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