Place the masa harina and the hot water into the jar of a blender (I used my Vitamix; blend until smooth. Remove from blender, pour through into a heavy-duty large saucepan.
Add 4 to 5 cups water or milk (your choice) and bring just to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring with a wire whisk, until the mixture starts to thicken. Stir in the pilocillo and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved, still stirring constantly. Remove from the heat.
At this point, stir in the mashed mango pulp and then return the pan to the stove until the mixture is warmed, stirring constantly. If the mixture seem too thick, you can add additional water or milk. If the mixture seems too thin, just continue cooking and stirring until it thickens more.
Remove from heat and serve hot in mugs or bowls.
Store in an airtight container with plastic wrap on top. May refrigerate 3 to 4 days. When refrigerated, the Atole will thicken. To reheat, add a small amount of milk or water to thin and stir over low heat until warmed. You could also microwave to warm the Atole.
Makes approximately 5 to 6 cups.
* Do not confuse masa flour with cornmeal, as they are made from different types of corn and you will not achieve the same results if you use cornmeal. Masa mix can be purchased in Latin American markets or supermarkets that carry Latin American products. Masa/Maseca Tamale Corn Flour can also be purchased from What's Cooking America's online store..
** You could also use 1/2 water and 1/2 milk in the drink (your choice). Some recipes use evaporate milk. If you desire, you can substitute some evaporates milk in the recipe. Remember that evaporated milk contains sugar. Four (4) cups would make a thicker Atole drink. I, personally, like a thinner Atole and I used 5 cups of milk.
*** If you can't find piloncillo, substitute 1/4 cup brown sugar. For a more authentic flavor add 2 tablespoons molasses. I have also used unrefined sugar in the recipe.
**** I processed my mangoes in my blender.
Mexican Mango Atole - Atole de Fruta Recipe: https://whatscookingamerica.net/beverage/mexicanatole-mango.htm