Simple Stovetop Pinole Chia Oatmeal

Quick and cozy, this simple stovetop Pinole Chia Oatmeal is one of the best healthy vegan breakfast recipes. If you haven’t tried pinole yet, meet my new favorite way to start the day!

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If you follow me on Instagram, then you’re well aware of my pinole obsession. So when Maya Jacquez from The Pinole Project asked if she could share her love of this incredible superfood and all the many ways to use it, I jumped at the chance!

Keep reading to learn more about this nutrient-rich, delicious food then scroll down for my favorite way to make it, plus 6 more quick breakfasts.

Take it away Maya!

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what is pinole?

For centuries, my ancestors have been eating pinole (pronounced pih-nole), an Aztec superfood enjoyed all across Latin America. This whole grain cereal is still eaten today by the Tarahumara, an indigenous community living in Northern Mexico who were born to run.

Known for their long-distance running abilities, they call themselves the Rarámuri, which, in their native language, means “light feet” or “runners on foot.” To fuel their long runs, the Rarámuri consume pinole either in porridge form or baked into cakes that they take with them on their runs.

It’s made out of non-GMO heirloom maize (or corn, as most know it). The dried corn kernels are ground into cornmeal and mixed with spices, such as cinnamon. Sometimes chia seeds or sweeteners, such as piloncillo (unrefined whole cane sugar) are added. 

If you don’t have dried maize, Pinole can also be made by combining skillet toasted masa harina in a food processor with brown sugar and cinnamon. You can also find Pinole already prepared at your local Mexican grocery store.

what makes it so special?

Pinole is the ultimate fuel, whether you’re gearing up for a long day or want sustained plant-based energy during a workout.

The whole grain ground corn puts it in the family of complex carbohydrates, which means it digests at a slower pace, thus providing energy for a longer period of time. Pinole delivers energy gradually, meaning no spike nor crash. 

This fiber-rich food can help build good gut bacteria because of its base ingredient maize, which contains prebiotics. A healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system, a healthy heart and brain, effective digestion and improved mood and sleep. 

meet pinole chia oatmeal

My grandmother added pinole to her slow-cooked oatmeal, called avena, to give it an extra boost! Her recipe inspired our Pinole Chia Oatmeal. Packed with 10 grams fiber, loaded with plant protein, vitamins, and 2500+ omega-3’s, it’s the ultimate breakfast upgrade!

We use nutrient-rich ground heirloom corn, harvested from Mexico’s independent, sustainable farms. Oats, chia seeds, and other powerhouse ingredients are then added to provide a high-quality breakfast or pre/post-workout meal. 

Pinole Chia Oatmeal is available in three delicious flavors: Peanut Butter & Cacao, Original, and Banana Cinnamon.

How to Make Pinole Chia Oatmeal

step one

Combine milk and Pinole chia oatmeal in a small sauce pan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the oatmeal thickens, this only takes a minute or two.

step two

Enjoy! Spoon the Pinole into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings like fresh strawberries and toasted pecans and coconut.

Other Ways To Enjoy It!

There are endless happy breakfasts with Pinole Chia Oatmeal. Here are our top picks for the most important meal of the day!

overnight oats

We love chilled Overnight Oats during the hot summer. Waking up with a ready-to- go breakfast in the refrigerator is so convenient when you’re on the run. Try Yadira Torres Ait’s recipe for Vegan Cherry Overnight Oats.

hot oatmeal done right

Look at these beautiful hot oatmeals!

Check out Kate’s stovetop recipe below for one of our favorite vegan breakfast ideas or make a comforting bowl in just 2 minutes in the microwave. Quick and easy either way and perfect for busy mornings.

We’re particularly fond of Ericka’s beautiful berry-packed oatmeal shown above and Anna’s museum-worthy High-Fiber Fig + Cashew Pinole Chia Oatmeal below which is as easy as making scrambled eggs.

baked oats

Baked Oats is another one of our favorite ways to enjoy our oatmeal.

It’s a simple, easy to make breakfast and perfect for those fun mornings when you want a decadent meal hot from the oven!

Our friend Aly Barr from Aly’s Oats is the queen of baked oatmeal. Check out her 5 Incredible Baked Oatmeal Recipes, which include Tiramisu Baked Oats!

Her Cinnamon Roll Baked Oats recipe and her Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Baked Oats Recipe are also crazy delicious, not to mention the beautiful Pecan, Walnut & Pear Baked Oats above.

cookies made with Pinole chia oatmeal

Who doesn’t love a cookie?!

Check out our Pinole Chia Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies or these amazing Date & Pecan Breakfast Cookies made by Abril of Taste of Mexico with our oatmeal!

want more healthy Pinole recipes?

We can’t wait for you to try Pinole Chia Oatmeal! Download our Pinole Chia Oatmeal Recipe E-book for 30+ more recipes.

more easy breakfast recipes to try!

• Vegan Atole
• Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Burritos
• Stovetop Granola Yogurt Parfaits
• Cinnamon Vanilla Mexican Coffee
• Tres Leches French Toast Casserole
• Dulce de Leche Yogurt Parfaits
• Bell Pepper and Mushroom Tofu Scramble

prep your cereal bowl

Because it’s about to be real busy! Stock up on The Pinole Project’s Pinole Chia Oatmeal and give this simple stovetop recipe a try. When you do, don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see or leave me a comment below (don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating) ! Also, make sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!

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