CORNMEAL PORRIDGE

CORNMEAL PORRIDGE is a easy Guyanese recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by CANDY THA GLAM COOK on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 34 min | Total: 54 min

Cost: $42.98 total, $10.75 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Extra Fine Cornmeal (Super fine, almost flour-like texture)
  • 2 cups Water (For pre‑mixing the cornmeal)
  • 2 cups Whole Milk (Regular 3.25% fat milk)
  • 1 cup Evaporated Milk (Canned evaporated milk)
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (Chilled)
  • 0.5 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (Canned sweetened condensed milk)
  • 1 tsp Almond Extract (Pure almond extract)
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks (Whole sticks)
  • 1 Star Anise (Whole star anise)
  • 3 Cloves (Whole cloves)
  • 0.25 tsp Fresh Nutmeg (Finely grated fresh nutmeg)
  • 2 tbsp Powdered Milk (Optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cornmeal Slurry

    In a small bowl, combine the extra fine cornmeal with 2 cups of water and whisk until completely smooth and free of lumps.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Heat Milk and Spices

    Add the whole milk and evaporated milk to the medium‑sized pot. Drop in the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. Heat over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Incorporate Cornmeal Slurry

    Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour the cornmeal slurry into the simmering milk while whisking continuously to prevent splatter and lumps.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Cook the Porridge

    Increase the heat to medium‑low and cook, stirring every 2–3 minutes, for about 20 minutes until the porridge thickens, becomes smooth, and the cornmeal is fully cooked.

    Time: PT20M

  5. Add Almond Extract

    Stir in 1 teaspoon of almond extract, distributing the flavor evenly.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Enrich with Cream and Condensed Milk

    Pour in the heavy whipping cream followed by the sweetened condensed milk. Stir until fully incorporated and the porridge reaches a rich, velvety texture.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Finish with Fresh Nutmeg

    Grate a pinch of fresh nutmeg (about ¼ tsp) directly into the pot and give a quick stir.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Taste and Adjust

    Sample the porridge. If you prefer it sweeter or thicker, add a little more condensed milk and stir for another minute.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Serve

    Ladle the hot porridge into serving bowls and sprinkle the optional powdered milk on top for the authentic finishing touch.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
520
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
70g
Fat
25g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Dairy, Corn, Almond

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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CORNMEAL PORRIDGE

Recipe by CANDY THA GLAM COOK

A rich, creamy, and sweet Guyanese cornmeal porridge made with extra fine cornmeal, whole milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and fragrant spices. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or dessert.

EasyGuyaneseServes 4

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

Source Video
14m
Prep
27m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
51m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$42.98
Total cost
$10.75
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mix cornmeal with water to a smooth slurry before adding to the pot
  • Add the cornmeal slurry slowly to simmering milk while whisking to avoid splatter and lumps
  • Stir continuously for 20 minutes over medium‑low heat to prevent clumping and burning
  • Add almond extract at the end to preserve its delicate flavor
  • Finish with freshly grated nutmeg for authentic aroma

Safety Warnings

  • Milk can scorch; keep heat moderate and stir frequently.
  • The cornmeal slurry can splatter when added; pour slowly and keep the pot partially covered.
  • Handle hot pot handles with oven mitts to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge in Guyanese cuisine?

A

Guyanese cornmeal porridge, known locally as "maizemeal porridge," is a beloved comfort food that dates back to colonial times when cornmeal became a staple for the working class. It is traditionally enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a sweet snack, reflecting the blend of African, Indian, and European influences in Guyana.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge within Caribbean cuisine?

A

In the Caribbean, variations include adding coconut milk in Trinidad, using cassava flour in Jamaica, or incorporating ginger and brown sugar in Barbados. Each island adapts the basic cornmeal base with locally available sweeteners and spices.

cultural
Q

How is Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge traditionally served in Guyana?

A

It is served hot in a shallow bowl, topped with a generous dusting of powdered milk that melts into the porridge, creating a creamy, slightly caramelized surface. Some families also drizzle a little extra condensed milk for added sweetness.

cultural
Q

On what occasions is Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge typically enjoyed in Guyanese culture?

A

Besides everyday breakfast, it is often prepared for festive mornings, family gatherings, and during the rainy season when a warm, filling dish is especially comforting. It is also a popular treat for schoolchildren as an after‑school snack.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Key ingredients are extra fine cornmeal, whole milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, almond extract, and whole spices (cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fresh nutmeg). Substitutes can include 2% milk, half‑and‑half, or ground spices, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge?

A

Common errors include adding the cornmeal to boiling milk (causing splatter), not whisking continuously (resulting in lumps), and adding almond extract too early, which can cause the flavor to fade. Also, over‑cooking can make the porridge dry.

technical
Q

Why does this Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge recipe add almond extract at the end instead of earlier?

A

Almond extract is volatile; adding it at the end preserves its bright, aromatic flavor. Heating it for a long time would cause the delicate almond notes to evaporate, leaving a muted taste.

technical
Q

How can I tell when the Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge is perfectly cooked and ready?

A

The porridge should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, smooth with no visible grainy lumps, and have a glossy, creamy appearance. A quick taste should reveal a fully cooked cornmeal texture without any gritty bite.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel CANDY THA GLAM COOK specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel CANDY THA GLAM COOK specializes in vibrant, home‑cooked Caribbean and multicultural recipes, often highlighting nostalgic family dishes and providing step‑by‑step visual guides for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel CANDY THA GLAM COOK's approach to Caribbean cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

CANDY THA GLAM COOK blends personal storytelling with clear, concise instructions, focusing on authentic flavors while offering modern twists. The channel emphasizes ingredient accessibility and detailed visual cues, setting it apart from channels that rely on heavy editing or professional kitchen setups.

channel

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