El Salvador | Beverages | Corn

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Atol de Elote

Atol de Elote

(Salvadoran corn beverage)

Yield: 4-6 servings


INGREDIENTS PREP AMOUNT
Yellow corn on the cob 6-7 ears
Water 4 cups
Sugar 1/3 cup or to taste
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Cornstarch (opt.) 1 tablespoon
     
Cinnamon, ground for garnishing

METHOD

Basic Steps:  Puree → Strain → Simmer → Garnish
  1. Cut enough kernels off the corn cobs to make 3 to 3 1/2 cups. Then scrape the cobs with a knife to remove all their milk. Place 2 1/2 cups of the corn in a blender along with 2 cups of the water and puree well.
  2. Strain the pureed corn through a sieve into a medium saucepan and discard the solids. Stir in the remaining corn kernels, 1/3 cup sugar and salt.
  3. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until lightly thickened. If the atol doesn't thicken to a creamy consistency, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water and whisk into the simmering liquid until it is just thick enough to coat a spoon.
  4. Pour the hot atol into mugs or small bowls, sprinkle with a little cinnamon and serve hot with a spoon to scoop up the corn kernels.

VARIATIONS

  • Frozen corn can be used in a pinch, but the flavor won't be nearly as good.

NOTES

  • Atoles are very popular beverages in El Salvador with roots in Mayan cuisine. They are a sort of thick drink often eaten with a spoon. Atol de elote is based on fresh corn (elote) and has a wonderfully fresh flavor.
  • Because the corn used in Central American is starchier, you may have to add the suggested cornstarch to achieve the lightly thickened consistency.