Chilate Salvadoreño
A traditional Salvadoran hot beverage made from toasted corn, flavored with ginger and allspice. It's a comforting and aromatic drink often enjoyed with sweet Salvadoran pastries.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Corn dough (toasted and ground)(or Maseca flour)
- 6 cups Water
- 1 medium Ginger root(sliced)
- 6-8 Whole allspice berries
- 1 small Cinnamon stick
- 100 g Panela (piloncillo)(or brown sugar, to taste)
- 1 pinch Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a pot, combine the corn dough (or Maseca) with 2 cups of water, whisking until smooth and no lumps remain.
- 2
Add the remaining 4 cups of water, sliced ginger, allspice berries, cinnamon stick, panela (or brown sugar), and a pinch of salt.
- 3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- 4
Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chilate has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded.
- 5
Remove the ginger slices, cinnamon stick, and allspice berries before serving. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- 6
Serve hot in mugs or bowls.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother consistency, you can strain the chilate after simmering.
- ✓Adjust the amount of ginger and allspice to your preference.
- ✓Chilate is often served with sweet treats like pastelitos or torrejas.
🔄 Variations
- Add a small piece of fresh ginger to the simmering mixture for a more intense ginger flavor.
- Some recipes include a small amount of toasted anise seeds for added aroma.