Imagine wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of rich, creamy blackberry atole - a traditional Mexican beverage that's more than just a drink; it's a cultural experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico. This velvety smooth, cinnamon-infused treasure combines the deep, vibrant flavors of fresh blackberries with the comforting warmth of masa harina, creating a delightful beverage that's perfect for chilly mornings or cozy evenings.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups blackberries
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup masa harina
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Wash the blackberries thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, mashing the blackberries with a wooden spoon to release their juices.
- Reduce the heat and simmer the blackberry mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the berries are soft and have released their full flavor.
- Strain the blackberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing the berries to extract maximum juice. Discard the solids and reserve the blackberry liquid.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the masa harina with the remaining 2 cups of water until smooth and free of lumps, creating a consistent masa mixture.
- Return the blackberry liquid to the saucepan and add the masa mixture, sugar, and cinnamon. Whisk continuously to prevent lumping.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 10-12 minutes until the atole thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if desired. The atole should have a rich, velvety texture.
- Remove from heat and let the atole rest for 2-3 minutes to slightly cool and further thicken.
- Serve hot in mugs or traditional clay cups, garnishing with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon if desired.
Tips
- Choose ripe, fresh blackberries for the most intense flavor and color.
- Whisk the masa harina thoroughly to prevent lumps in your atole.
- Stir continuously while cooking to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Adjust sugar to taste - some prefer a more tart, others a sweeter drink.
- Use a fine-mesh strainer to ensure a silky-smooth blackberry liquid.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
- Optional: Garnish with a cinnamon stick or extra ground cinnamon for added aroma.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
