Pinol facts for kids
_and_pinol_mix_(in_tin).jpg)
Pinol (in tin with scoop) beside a bag of plain máchica and a mug of milk
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| Country of origin | Central and Latin America |
|---|---|
| Color | Beige or tan to brown |
| Flavor | Anise, cinnamon, clove |
| Ingredients | Máchica, panela, milk or other liquid, spices |
| Related products | Pinole |
Pinol (pronounced pee-NOL) is a warm, traditional drink from Ecuador. It's made from a special mix of toasted barley flour called máchica and unrefined sugar known as panela. This mix is blended with spices and then combined with a liquid, usually milk. Sometimes, the word pinol also refers to the dry powder mix itself, before it's turned into a drink.
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The Story of Pinol
The creation of pinol is often credited to Rafael Emilio Madrid from Salcedo, Ecuador. The story says that Madrid saw workers enjoying pieces of panela (a block of unrefined sugar). This gave him the idea to grind panela and mix it with máchica and different spices.
In the 1950s, the Madrid family built a factory in San Rafael, Ecuador. They used a large millstone to make their pinol mix. By 2009, the fourth generation of the Madrid family was still making this popular mix. Even though pinol was invented in the mid-1900s, it is now seen as a classic and traditional food in Ecuador.
What's in Pinol?
The dry mix you buy to make pinol is made of a few key ingredients:
- Panela: This is a finely ground, unrefined sugar made from sugarcane. It gives pinol its sweetness.
- Máchica: This is flour made from barley that has been toasted. It gives the drink its unique texture and flavor.
- Spices: The mix usually includes ground spices like anise, cinnamon (or a native Andean spice called ishpingo), and cloves. Sometimes, peppercorns are also added.
- Other ingredients: Some versions of pinol might also include quinoa, a healthy grain.
How to Make Pinol
Pinol is most often made with milk or soymilk. However, you can also use water or even fruit juice. Making pinol is a lot like making hot chocolate. You mix the powder with hot milk and stir until it's smooth and ready to drink.
Other Ways to Enjoy Pinol
The pinol mix isn't just for drinks! You can also use it in other ways:
- Smoothies: Add it to fruit smoothies for extra flavor.
- Desserts: It can be an ingredient in creamy desserts like custard.
- Snacks: Some people enjoy eating the dry mix with grated cheese, or even by itself as a quick snack.
Where to Find Pinol
If you visit Salcedo, Ecuador, you can buy ready-to-drink pinol at local shops and ice cream parlors. Both locals and tourists love to drink it there.
Many companies now make dry pinol mix, not just the original Madrid family business. Several brands are even sent to other countries. This allows Ecuadorians living abroad, and other people who want to try it, to enjoy this special drink.
