Pinole is usually only found in rural communities in Central America and is traditionally made by hand. With health benefits similar to quinoa, pinole is of a much finer consistency, made by grinding roasted maize and mixing it with a combination of agave, 100% raw cocoa, chia seeds, vanilla, a touch of organic cinnamon. Other spices and sugar are also added, depending on the region.
Pinole, pronounced “pin-oh-lee” is a truly ancient ‘superfood,’ believed to have originated from the Aztecs who then spread it through Mesoamerica. The name comes from the Nahuatl word pinolli, meaning cornmeal, and has also been known as pinol and pinolillo. Up until recent months, this rare ancient food had only survived in rural parts of Central and Latin America, where certain locals still made it by hand.
Pinole pre-mixed powders are now popping up in grocery store aisles across America, and it’s popularity is steadily increasing with each passing day. But still, this Aztec-rooted meal of the gods has yet to be picked up and spread to the mainstream, so you may be hearing it here first!
The rich cacao-coloured powder is quite versatile, and can be used for baking, by taking the place of flour, but is more commonly had with hot milk, similar to breakfast oatmeal. This warm milky dish resembles a much hotter, and more savoury acai bowl. (An acai bowl is basically a really thick smoothie that’s been topped with oatmeal, fruit or peanut butter).
Pinole packs a protein punch!
Modern takes on the traditional pinole recipe have been seen in stores with added pea protein, featuring a variety of flavours including blueberry and banana. The added protein really kicks this concoction up a notch, providing an impressive 20 grams per bowl on average, when you take the milk protein into account. However, protein isn’t the only main attraction of this up-and-buzzy superfood. Pinole is chock-full of iron, slow burning carbs, magnesium and key vitamins, it proves to be among the top perfect breakfast routines out there.
Those who have discovered pinole, have claimed to have felt a significant increase in long-lasting energy, enabling better workouts, improved concentration and positive thinking. Here on our blog, we recently posted a similar breakfast concoction using ground flaxseeds in lieu of pinole, combining gut-friendly kefir, highly nutritious seeds & nuts and a very special golden ingredient. Check out that delicious bowl of wholesome goodness right here.
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