Nicaraguan Pinolillo - Cacao Cornmeal Drink
Nicaraguan Pinolillo is a traditional cacao cornmeal drink that is served with milk or water, and spiced with cinnamon, cloves and all-spice. Serve sweetened or unsweetened, either way it's a delicious traditional Nicaraguan drink that gives you a real taste of chocolate.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Traditional Drinks
Cuisine Nicaraguan Cuisine
Servings 8 servings
Calories 300 kcal
- 1/2 cup of stone ground cornmeal (yellow or white)
- 1/2 cup of raw cacao beans/nibs
- 2 sticks of cinnamon
- Pinch of cloves
- Pinch of all-spice
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of sugar or desired amount
In a clean pan, on low heat, roast the raw cacao, cornmeal, along with the spices. Roast until the spices are fragrant and the cacao beans resemble a dark auburn, almost dark chocolate color.
Next, add the roasted ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until mixture resembles a fine powder.
Now, add the milk, water and mix with the pinolillo powder.
Sweeten with the sugar and serve over ice.