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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
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Traditional Drinks
Cuisine Nicaraguan Cuisine
Servings 8 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Instructions
 

  • 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.

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