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Epicurious

Atole de Zarzamoras (Blackberry Atole)

Purple Atole de Zarzamoras—blackberry atole by Fany Gerson
Ed Anderson

The word atole comes from atl (water) and tlaoli (ground corn). These beverages have been consumed since pre-Hispanic times and the variations are countless. Made with water, milk, or a combination of the two, and commonly thickened with masa, the beverage is also sometimes made with ground toasted corn, fermented corn, rice, oatmeal, fresh corn, or mature corn cooked in ashes. It is sweetened with sugar and/or piloncillo and often mixed with fruit.

  

This drink is enjoyed with sweet tamales early in the morning or at night. This atole is very popular in Michoacán, and I want to thank Ernesto Hernandez Doblas for the recipe.

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