Atol de plátano is a hot, thick Guatemalan drink made from mashed ripe plantain, milk, and spices, with a sweet flavor and characteristic aroma.
It’s a comforting atol, very popular on cold afternoons, valued for the natural sweetness that well-ripened plantain provides.
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Guatemalan Ripe Plantain Drink
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Guatemalan
Ingredients
- 4 of ripe plantains
- 3 cups of milk
- 1 cup of water
- 1 of cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cup of sugar
Instructions
- Cook the plantains, boil the ripe plantains with their peel on until soft.
- Make a mash, peel them and make a smooth mash with the pulp.
- Blend, blend the plantain mash with the water until smooth.
- Cook, pour the mixture 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
- Using very ripe plantains, with dark peel, gives the atol a sweeter, more aromatic flavor.
- Cooking the plantains with the peel on helps preserve their natural flavor and moisture.
- Stirring constantly during cooking keeps the atol from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on the natural sweetness of the plantains used.
Traditional variations
- It’s a very popular atol throughout Guatemala, valued for its sweet, comforting flavor.
- Some families add a touch of vanilla for extra aroma.
How to serve
Atol de plátano is served hot, in a mug or glass, especially on cold afternoons.
It’s a sweet, comforting traditional drink, very popular in Guatemala.
Recommended sides
- Sweet bread
Did you know?
Atol de plátano makes use of the natural sweetness of well-ripened plantain, without needing much added sugar.
It’s one of the sweetest atoles in the Guatemalan tradition of hot drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a hot, thick Guatemalan drink made from mashed ripe plantain, milk, and spices.
Cooking them with the peel on helps preserve their natural flavor and moisture before mashing.
The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on the natural sweetness of the plantains used, which can vary.
It's traditionally drunk on cold afternoons, as a comforting drink.
