Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge

Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge

Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge is a comforting, creamy breakfast dish made with cornmeal, coconut milk, and warm spices. This smooth porridge is sweetened to perfection with condensed milk for a delightful start to your day.

Breakfast

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

20 min

Servings

4

A beloved staple in Jamaican households, Cornmeal Porridge embodies the island's rich culinary heritage and its love for warming, flavorful breakfasts. This dish combines the natural sweetness and creaminess of coconut milk with the subtle earthiness of fine yellow cornmeal to create a hearty and satisfying porridge. The addition of fragrant spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice offers an aromatic complexity that makes each bite memorable. Traditionally enjoyed in the cool mornings or as a soothing comfort food, Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge pairs beautifully with tropical fruits or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Its hearty texture also makes it an excellent choice for those looking for gluten-free and dairy-free breakfast options, with the condensed milk adding a luscious touch of sweetness that balances the spices perfectly. Whether you're seeking a nostalgic trip to the Caribbean or simply a nourishing start to your day, this porridge delivers warmth, aroma, and a taste of Jamaican culture in every spoonful. The methodical cooking process ensures a smooth, lump-free consistency that’s both rich and velvety, making it a perfect meal to share or savor on your own.

Ingredients

  • 4 cup Water
  • 380 g Coconut Milk
  • 1 cup Fine Yellow Cornmeal
  • 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp Ground Allspice
  • 0.5 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk

Instructions

Begin by combining 2 ½ cups of water and a full can of rich coconut milk in a sturdy 4-quart heavy-bottomed pot. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring this luxurious liquid blend to a steady boil, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. While awaiting the boil, prepare your cornmeal slurry: in a large mixing cup, whisk together 1 cup of fine yellow cornmeal and 1 ½ cups of water until the mixture is perfectly smooth and free from lumps. This step is essential to achieve a creamy porridge texture. As soon as the coconut milk mixture reaches a boil, gradually whisk in the cornmeal slurry. Maintain a vigorous whisk for about 1 minute to ensure the mixture is completely smooth and there are no gritty clumps. Then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to gently cook. Let the porridge simmer on low for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. When about 5 minutes of cooking time remain, stir in the warm, inviting flavors of 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground allspice, which will elevate the porridge's aroma and complexity. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and sweeten the porridge to your taste with ½ cup sweetened condensed milk, stirring until fully incorporated. This adds a luscious sweetness that complements the spices and creamy coconut milk. Serve warm, perhaps garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of extra condensed milk. For an extra touch, accompany this porridge with fresh tropical fruits like mango or banana. Enjoy this comforting bowl of Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge as a delightful and nourishing start to your day.

Quick Info

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4

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