Modern Breakfast Tables: Avena

“Avena” means “oats” in both Latin and Spanish. It is also the name of a gruel consumed as a breakfast drink in Latin America and by Latinos in the United States. Rolled oats or oat flour is steeped or boiled in milk, fruit juice, or water and often sweetened with sugar or honey. Crushed fruit and spices, especially cinnamon, may be added. The drink is served either hot or cold in the same manner as corn-based atole and pinole, which have been staples in the Central American diet since before the introduction of oats from Europe.