Dominican avena is served 1 of 2 ways, on the thicker side like this oatmeal porridge, or on the thinner side as an oatmeal drink. This version is closer to traditional oatmeal because it’s thick and is eaten with a spoon, but it has all the classic taste of Dominican style oatmeal.
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Lime peels is a must for Dominican oatmeal
Fresh lime peel adds a little hint of freshness that balances the warmth of all the spices we’re using like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. And these are the exact ingredients that you’ll find in avena caliente. Without them, the porridge wouldn’t have the same distinct taste that makes it uniquely Dominican.
Use rolled oats not quick oats
Quick oats won’t work for this recipe because they don’t give the classic texture you’d find in porridge. Rolled oats are the better choice since they are less processed and have a heartier texture, which is what helps this Dominican avena stay smooth and creamy without becoming mushy.
Dominican Avena (Oatmeal Porridge)
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 strips lime peel
- 2 sticks cinnamon or ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cloves or ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk
- 2-3 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Add water, lime peel, cinnamon, and cloves to a pot and bring to a boil.
- Add rolled oats, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens to your liking.
- Remove the lime peel, cinnamon, and cloves, then pour into a bowl and serve warm. Buen provecho!
