Cornmeal Porridge
Cornmeal Porridge is a easy Caribbean recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Jehan Powell on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 28 min | Total: 53 min
Cost: $3.35 total, $0.84 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Yellow Cornmeal (fine to medium grind, sifted)
- 3 cups Water (cold)
- 2 cups Whole Milk (can substitute with coconut milk for vegan version)
- 1/4 cup Condensed Milk (sweetened; can replace with 2 tbsp brown sugar for vegan)
- 3 pieces Whole Cloves
- 1 piece Cinnamon Stick
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 pinch Freshly Grated Nutmeg (grated just before serving)
- 1 dash Almond Extract (optional, use sparingly)
Instructions
Make cornmeal slurry
Place the yellow cornmeal in a mixing bowl and gradually whisk in the cold water until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Time: PT5M
Heat milk and water
In a saucepan, combine the remaining water and whole milk. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Incorporate cornmeal
When the liquid reaches a boil, slowly pour the cornmeal slurry into the saucepan while whisking continuously to break up any remaining clumps.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add whole spices
Add the whole cloves and cinnamon stick to the pot.
Time: PT1M
Simmer the porridge
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the porridge cook for about 20 minutes. Stir gently every 3–4 minutes to prevent sticking.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: Low heat
Sweeten and flavor
Stir in the condensed milk (or brown sugar), vanilla extract, freshly grated nutmeg, and a dash of almond extract if using. Mix until fully incorporated.
Time: PT3M
Finish and serve
Remove the whole cloves and cinnamon stick. Adjust consistency with extra milk if you prefer a runnier texture, then ladle into bowls and enjoy.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by substituting milk with coconut milk and condensed milk with brown sugar
Allergens: Milk, Dairy, Tree nuts
Last updated: April 15, 2026








