Avena Colombiana
Colombian Oatmeal Drink
A creamy, comforting, and subtly sweet oatmeal drink, traditionally enjoyed as a refreshing street beverage. It's blended to a smooth consistency and infused with the warm aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.
🧂 Ingredients
- 100g Rolled oats (quick-cooking or old-fashioned)(Rolled oats will give a creamier texture than instant oats.)
- 1 liter Whole milk(Can substitute with a mix of milk and water, or a non-dairy milk for a different flavor profile.)
- 100g Granulated sugar(Adjust to your desired sweetness. Can substitute with other sweeteners like piloncillo or honey.)
- 2 Cinnamon sticks(Preferably large sticks for maximum flavor infusion.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract(Pure vanilla extract is recommended for best flavor.)
- 250ml Water(Optional, to help achieve desired consistency during blending.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, combine the rolled oats, milk, and cinnamon sticks. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the oats are tender and have softened, about 15-20 minutes. The mixture will thicken as the oats cook.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 3
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully remove and discard the cinnamon sticks. Stir in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until fully dissolved.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Transfer the oat mixture to a blender. Add the optional 250ml of water to help achieve a smoother consistency. Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a very smooth drink, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes - 5
Pour the blended avena into a pitcher or airtight container. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until thoroughly chilled. The drink will thicken further as it chills.
⏱️ 1 hour minimum - 6
Serve the Avena Colombiana cold. Stir well before serving as it may separate slightly. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
⏱️ N/A
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother, more liquid consistency, add more milk or water during blending.
- ✓This drink is a popular street food in Colombia, often served warm or cold.
- ✓Avena Colombiana is quite filling and can be a good meal replacement or a substantial snack.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a thicker consistency, use less milk or water during blending, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking in step 2.
- Add a few whole cloves along with the cinnamon sticks in step 1 for a more complex spice profile.
- Sweeten with piloncillo (unrefined whole cane sugar) for a more traditional flavor.