YT Recipe

Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Recipe Video

Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Recipe Video is a easy Jamaican recipe that serves 2. 360 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook Like A Jamaican on YouTube.

Prep: 9 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 21 min

Cost: $9.42 total, $4.71 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cups Whole Milk (cold, use for base and thinning)
  • 2 sticks Cinnamon Sticks (broken into pieces)
  • 0.5 cup Cornmeal (fine ground, Jamaican style)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon Allspice Seeds (Pimento) (whole seeds)
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (pure extract, not essence)
  • 0.5 cup Evaporated Milk (adds richness and creaminess)
  • 2 tablespoons Condensed Milk (optional, sweetened; use if you prefer a sweeter porridge)
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste; can be omitted if using condensed milk)

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients and Equipment

    Measure out all ingredients and have the saucepan, spoon, and measuring tools ready.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Add Milk and Cinnamon

    Pour 2 cups of cold whole milk into the saucepan and add the broken cinnamon sticks. Stir briefly.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Incorporate Cornmeal

    Sprinkle 0.5 cup cornmeal into the cold milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Cook the Base

    Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. As it thickens, lower the heat to prevent splattering.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Add Spices

    Stir in 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg, and 0.5 tsp whole allspice seeds.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Flavor with Vanilla

    Add 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract and mix well.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Add Evaporated Milk

    Stir in 0.5 cup evaporated milk for extra creaminess.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Adjust Sweetness (Optional)

    If using, add 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk. Taste and add 1 tablespoon granulated sugar if more sweetness is desired.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Thin to Desired Consistency

    If the porridge is too thick, stir in an additional 0.5 cup cold milk and cook for another minute.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Remove Whole Spices

    Take out the cinnamon sticks and allspice seeds before serving.

    Time: PT30S

  11. Serve

    Ladle the hot porridge into bowls. Serve with toast and jam if desired.

    Time: PT30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
360
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Dairy, Corn

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Recipe Video

Recipe by Cook Like A Jamaican

A classic Jamaican cornmeal porridge made with milk, cinnamon, allspice, vanilla and a splash of evaporated milk for extra creaminess. Perfect for a hearty breakfast that will keep you full until lunch.

EasyJamaicanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8m
Prep
6m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.42
Total cost
$4.71
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Add cornmeal to cold milk while stirring to prevent lumps.
  • • Control heat as the mixture thickens to avoid splattering and burns.
  • • Remove whole cinnamon sticks and allspice seeds before serving.

Safety Warnings

  • • The porridge can splatter when it starts to pop; lower heat immediately to avoid burns.
  • • Handle the hot saucepan with a pot holder or oven mitt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of cornmeal porridge in Jamaican cuisine?

A

Cornmeal porridge, known locally as "cornmeal porridge," has been a staple breakfast in Jamaica for generations, traditionally served to schoolchildren and workers because it is filling, inexpensive, and provides lasting energy for the day.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Jamaican cornmeal porridge across the island?

A

In coastal areas Jamaicans often add coconut milk for a tropical twist, while in the interior people may use condensed milk for extra sweetness. Some families also sprinkle nutmeg or ginger for added spice.

cultural
Q

How is Jamaican cornmeal porridge traditionally served in Jamaica?

A

It is typically served hot in a bowl, accompanied by buttered toast, jam, or fresh fruit. It may also be enjoyed plain with a drizzle of condensed milk for extra sweetness.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is cornmeal porridge traditionally eaten in Jamaican culture?

A

Cornmeal porridge is a everyday breakfast but is also common at family gatherings, church events, and school breakfasts because it is quick to make and satisfies both children and adults.

cultural
Q

How does cornmeal porridge fit into the broader Jamaican cuisine tradition?

A

Jamaican cuisine emphasizes hearty, flavorful dishes made from locally available ingredients. Cornmeal porridge reflects this by using staple cornmeal, dairy, and native spices like allspice and nutmeg, embodying the island’s comfort‑food ethos.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Jamaican cornmeal porridge versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fine cornmeal, whole milk, cinnamon sticks, allspice (pimento) seeds, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and optionally evaporated or condensed milk. Substitutes can be plant‑based milks, ground cinnamon, or coconut milk, though they slightly alter flavor and texture.

cultural
Q

What other Jamaican dishes pair well with cornmeal porridge?

A

Cornmeal porridge pairs nicely with fried dumplings (Johnny cakes), fresh tropical fruit, or a side of ackee and saltfish for a more substantial brunch.

cultural
Q

What makes Jamaican cornmeal porridge special or unique in Caribbean cuisine?

A

Its use of allspice seeds and cinnamon sticks gives a warm, aromatic profile that is distinct from other Caribbean porridges, while the addition of evaporated milk creates a rich, creamy texture uncommon in many island breakfast dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Jamaican cornmeal porridge at home?

A

Common mistakes include adding cornmeal to hot milk (causing lumps), cooking on high heat (causing splattering and burnt edges), and not adjusting the liquid amount, which can make the porridge too thick or too thin.

technical
Q

How do I know when Jamaican cornmeal porridge is done cooking?

A

The porridge is done when it reaches a smooth, thick but pourable consistency that coats the back of a spoon, and the cornmeal grains are fully softened with no gritty texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cook Like A Jamaican specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cook Like A Jamaican focuses on authentic Jamaican home cooking, sharing traditional recipes, cooking tips, and cultural stories that celebrate the island’s flavors and heritage.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cook Like A Jamaican's approach to Jamaican cooking differ from other Caribbean cooking channels?

A

Cook Like A Jamaican emphasizes simple, ingredient‑focused techniques using everyday pantry items, often demonstrating how to adapt classic dishes for modern kitchens while preserving the authentic taste and cultural context of each recipe.

channel
More like this:Jamaican RecipesBreakfast RecipesMore by Cook Like A Jamaican

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