Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups whole milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan version)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- ¼ cup panela (grated) or brown sugar as substitute
Garnish
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Rinse the oats: Place the rolled oats in a sieve and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. This step helps ensure your avena is smooth and prevents it from becoming too thick.
- Simmer oats and spices: In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed oats and water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Add the cinnamon stick and cloves. Let everything simmer gently for about 15 minutes until the oats are tender and the mixture has slightly thickened.
- Blend the mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat. Discard the cinnamon stick and cloves. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy for a luxurious texture.
- Reheat and sweeten: Pour the blended oats back into the saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the milk and grated panela. Cook gently while stirring often, until the panela is completely dissolved and the avena is heated through but not boiling.
- Garnish and serve: Pour the avena into glasses or mugs. Sprinkle each serving with a dash of ground cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg to enhance the aroma and flavor.
- Enjoy warm or chilled: Serve immediately as a cozy, warming drink, or let cool and refrigerate for a refreshing cold option. Stir well before serving if chilled to recombine the oats.
Notes
- Rinsing oats removes excess starch to keep the beverage smooth.
- Panela adds depth of flavor; brown sugar can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust milk type based on dietary preferences—for vegan or lactose intolerance use plant-based milk.
- Do not boil the avena after adding milk to avoid curdling or burning.
- Can be served warm in colder months or chilled as a refreshing drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Colombian
- Diet: Vegetarian
