Atol de haba is a hot, thick Guatemalan drink made from ground fava beans, milk, and spices, very nourishing and comforting.
It’s a less common atol than the corn version, but highly valued in the cold areas of the Guatemalan highlands for its nutritional value.
Print
Guatemalan Fava Bean Drink
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Guatemalan
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dried fava beans, peeled
- 4 cups of water
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 of cinnamon stick
- 1 cup of sugar
Instructions
- Soak, soak the peeled fava beans in water overnight.
- Cook, boil the soaked fava beans in fresh water until very tender.
- Blend, blend the cooked fava beans together with part of the cooking water until you get a fine mixture.
- Strain, strain the mixture for a smoother texture.
- Cook, pour the strained liquid into a pot together with the milk, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Cook over low heat, cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens into an atol consistency.
- Serve, serve hot, in a mug or glass.
Tips for getting it right
- Soaking the fava beans overnight makes them easier to peel and cook faster.
- Straining the mixture well results in a smoother atol, without skin bits.
- Stirring constantly during the final cooking keeps the atol from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- It’s a very nourishing atol, especially valued in the cold areas of the Guatemalan highlands.
Traditional variations
- It’s a less common atol than the corn version, but highly valued in the Guatemalan highlands.
- Some families add a touch of vanilla for extra aroma.
How to serve
Atol de haba is served hot, in a mug or glass, especially on cold mornings.
It’s a nourishing drink highly valued in Guatemala’s highland areas.
Recommended sides
- Sweet bread
Did you know?
Atol de haba is a very nourishing drink thanks to fava beans’ high protein content.
It’s especially popular in the cold areas of the Guatemalan highlands, where comforting food is sought.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a hot, thick Guatemalan drink made from ground fava beans, milk, and spices.
The long soak makes them easier to peel and reduces the subsequent cooking time.
It's especially popular in the cold areas of the Guatemalan highlands, valued for its nutritional value.
Yes, thanks to fava beans' high protein content, it's considered a very nourishing, comforting drink.
