Indulge in the rich tapestry of Guatemala's culinary heritage with Atol de Piña, a beloved traditional beverage that tantalizes the taste buds with its sweet and creamy goodness. This delightful concoction features ripe pineapples blended to perfection with aromatic spices and corn masa, creating a velvety smooth drink that is as comforting as it is refreshing. Served hot or cold, Atol de Piña embodies the warmth and hospitality of Guatemala, inviting you to savor every sip and experience a true taste of Central American culture. Whether enjoyed as a morning pick-me-up or a soothing evening treat, this iconic beverage promises a journey of flavor that captures the essence of Guatemala's culinary traditions.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup corn masa (corn flour)
• 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• Pinch of salt
• Ground cinnamon (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1- In a blender, combine the pineapple chunks and pineapple juice. Blend until smooth.

2- In a large saucepan, bring the water and cinnamon stick to a gentle boil over medium heat.

3- In a separate bowl, mix the corn masa with a little water to form a smooth paste.

4- Once the water in the saucepan is boiling, slowly pour in the blended pineapple mixture, stirring constantly.

5- Gradually add the corn masa paste to the saucepan, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

6- Stir in the sugar and a pinch of salt. Continue to cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

7- Taste the Atol de Piña and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar, if desired.

8- Once the Atol has thickened and reached your desired consistency, remove the cinnamon stick and discard.

9- Serve the Atol de Piña warm in mugs or cups. Optionally, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for garnish.

10- Enjoy your deliciously comforting Guatemalan Atol de Piña!

This recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on serving size. Adjust the ingredients accordingly if you need to make more or less.

Nutritional Values :

Water (4 cups):

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits

Hydration: Water is essential for maintaining proper hydration levels in the body and supporting overall bodily functions.

Pineapple chunks (2 cups):

• Calories: 196
• Total Fat: 0.8g
• Total Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 2g

benefits

• Vitamin C: Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
• Bromelain: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that may aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

Pineapple juice (1 cup):

• Calories: 133
• Total Fat: 0.3g
• Total Carbohydrates: 33g
• Protein: 1g

benefits

• Hydration: Pineapple juice contributes to overall hydration due to its high water content.
• Antioxidants: Pineapple juice contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Corn masa (1 cup):

• Calories: 416
• Total Fat: 4.2g
• Total Carbohydrates: 87g
• Protein: 8g

benefits

• Complex Carbohydrates: Corn masa provides a good source of complex carbohydrates, which supply energy to the body.
• Fiber: Corn masa contains dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Sugar (1 cup):

• Calories: 774
• Total Fat: 0g
• Total Carbohydrates: 200g
• Protein: 0g

benefits

• Energy: Sugar provides a quick source of energy for the body.
• Flavor: Sugar enhances the taste of the Atol de Piña, making it more enjoyable to consume.

Note: The nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary based on factors such as specific brands of ingredients and variations in preparation methods.