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
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
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
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
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
Add Almond Extract
Stir in 1 teaspoon of almond extract, distributing the flavor evenly.
Time: PT1M
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
Finish with Fresh Nutmeg
Grate a pinch of fresh nutmeg (about ¼ tsp) directly into the pot and give a quick stir.
Time: PT1M
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Extra Fine Cornmeal: Regular cornmeal (coarser texture)
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, Plant‑based milk (flavor will change)
- Instead of Evaporated Milk: Reduced‑fat evaporated milk
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: Half‑and‑half (less rich)
- Instead of Sweetened Condensed Milk: Homemade condensed milk
- Instead of Almond Extract: Vanilla extract (different flavor)
- Instead of Cinnamon Sticks: Ground cinnamon (add later)
- Instead of Cloves: Ground cloves (use less)
- Instead of Fresh Nutmeg: Ground nutmeg (less aromatic)
Equipment Needed
- Medium‑Sized Pot
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Microplane Grater
- Ladle (optional)
- Serving Bowls (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use extra fine cornmeal for the smoothest texture; regular cornmeal will give a gritty mouthfeel.
- Grate nutmeg directly over the pot to capture its essential oils.
- For an extra tropical twist, add a splash of coconut milk together with the heavy cream.
Troubleshooting
Porridge becomes lumpy.
Ensure the cornmeal slurry is completely smooth before adding, and whisk continuously when incorporating it into the milk.
Bottom of the pot burns.
Cook over medium‑low heat and stir every 2‑3 minutes, scraping the bottom with a silicone spatula.
Porridge is too thin.
Continue cooking for an additional 5‑10 minutes while stirring, or add a tablespoon of extra cornmeal mixed with water.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk, stirring to restore creaminess.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as the texture becomes grainy after thawing.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour; keep covered to retain moisture.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The porridge can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge; reheat over low heat with a little extra milk.
- If the porridge thickens too much after cooling, stir in a splash of milk while reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge in Guyanese cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge within Caribbean cuisine?
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.
How is Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge traditionally served in Guyana?
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.
On what occasions is Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge typically enjoyed in Guyanese culture?
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.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge and what are acceptable substitutes?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge?
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.
Why does this Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge recipe add almond extract at the end instead of earlier?
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.
How can I tell when the Guyanese Cornmeal Porridge is perfectly cooked and ready?
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.
What does the YouTube channel CANDY THA GLAM COOK specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel CANDY THA GLAM COOK's approach to Caribbean cooking differ from other cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
