How To Make Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge

Ingredients

• 1 cup Fine Cornmeal (use fine texture, not coarse)
• 2 cups Water (for boiling the base)
• 1 cup Coconut Milk (full‑fat canned, shaken before use)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Essence (pure vanilla extract)
• 1/2 tsp Rose Water (adds floral note)
• 1/2 tsp Almond Essence (provides nutty aroma)
• 0.25 tsp Cinnamon (ground, add with nutmeg)
• 0.25 tsp Nutmeg (freshly grated)
• 0.25 tsp Salt (enhances flavor)
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (or any preferred sweetener)
• 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated Milk (full‑fat, unopened)
• 1 can (14 oz) Condensed Milk (sweetened, unopened)

Instructions

1. Boil Water

   Add 2 cups of water to a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over medium‑high heat.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 100°C

2. Incorporate Cornmeal

   While the water is boiling, slowly whisk in 1 cup of fine cornmeal, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: 100°C

3. Add Coconut Milk

   Stir in 1 cup of coconut milk and continue whisking. Let the mixture return to a gentle boil and simmer for about 10 minutes, whisking frequently.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 100°C

4. Flavor the Porridge

   Add 1 tsp vanilla essence, ½ tsp rose water, ½ tsp almond essence, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg, and ¼ tsp salt. Stir until fully dissolved.

   Time: PT1M

5. Sweeten

   Mix in 1 tbsp brown sugar (or your preferred sweetener) until dissolved.

   Time: PT30S

6. Add Creamy Milks

   Stir in the entire can of evaporated milk followed by the can of sweetened condensed milk. Keep whisking to combine.

   Time: PT2M

7. Final Simmer

   Continue to cook the porridge for another 5 minutes, stirring often, until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 100°C

8. Rest Slightly

   Remove the saucepan from heat and let the porridge sit for 2 minutes to settle.

   Time: PT2M

9. Serve

   Spoon the warm porridge into bowls and enjoy with crackers, toasted bread, or a drizzle of extra condensed milk.

   Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

800

Protein

8 g

Carbohydrates

95 g

Fat

45 g

Fiber

4 g