Atol De Elote Recipes

ATOLE DE ELOTE

Steps:

• Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add corn and cook uncovered until kernels are slightly softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately immerse in ice water for several minutes to stop the cooking process. Drain.
• Remove kernels from the cob using a knife and transfer to a blender. Add 1 cup water, or 1/2 cup if blending in two batches, and blend until pureed. Strain mixture into a bowl using a fine sieve; discard the solids. Run liquid once more through a clean sieve.
• Stir in milk; transfer mixture to a medium nonstick skillet. Cook over medium heat until milk is heated through. Stir in sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; bring to a gentle simmer.
• Reduce heat to low and combine 1/4 cup of the hot liquid with cornstarch. Pour mixture into the skillet and stir constantly until atole begins to thicken to desired consistency, about 5 minutes. Immediately remove from heat. Pour into pudding bowls, soup bowls, or cups.

ATOL DE ELOTE

Steps:

• Using a sharp knife, carefully 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Note: Because the corn used in Central America is starchier, you may have to add the suggested cornstarch to achieve the lightly thickened consistency.

ATOL DE ELOTE (SWEET CORN AND MILK DRINK)

Steps:

• Use a sharp knife to remove the kernels from the corn and place them in a blender.
• Add 1/2 cup milk and puree until completely smooth (2 - 3 minutes).
• Transfer the mixture to a medium pot, add the rest of the milk, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and salt. Stir.
• Bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly. Then reduce heat to medium low and simmer, still constantly stirring, until the mixture is slightly thickened (about 15 minutes).
• Serve hot.

ATOL DE ELOTE GUATEMALTECO

Steps:

• Peel and wash the ears of corn thoroughly and cut the kernels off. Put them and their juices aside. Throw away the cobs.
• Put the kernels and about 1 cup of water on a high-powered blender and blend until they are coarsely grounded. Add the rest of the water and keep blending until smooth.
• Pour the kernel mixture onto a large pot, add milk, cinnamon stick, sugar, and salt. Bring to a low boil on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes.
• Stir constantly to avoid the mixture sticking to the bottom.
• Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens. Serve the atol warm and in cups, garnishing with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, and top with a handful of cooked corn kernels.

CORN DRINK (ATOL DE ELOTE)

Steps:

• Thaw corn.
• Place 1 1/2 cup of milk, cornstarch, corn, sugar, and cinnamon in a blender.
• Cover and blend on low speed about 2 minutes, or until smooth.
• Strain into a medium nonstick saucepan.
• Stir and press corn pulp against strainer with back of a large spoon to help liquid pass through.
• Discard corn pulp.
• Add remaining 2 1/2 cups milk, stir well.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, 18 to 20 minutes, or until slightly thicken.
• (This drink scorches easily, it is very important to use a nonstick saucepan and to stir continuously through cooking.).
• Remove from heat and let cool.
• Transfer drink to a pitcher.
• Cover and refrigerate about 4 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
• Stir before serving.