Jamaican Hominy Corn Porridge Made Easy with just a Few Simple Steps
Jamaican Hominy Corn Porridge MADE EASY with just a FEW SIMPLE STEPS is a medium Jamaican recipe that serves 4. 340 calories per serving. Recipe by Whitney's Kitchen Jamaica on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $43.48 total, $10.87 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Corn Kernels (washed and soaked overnight with cinnamon sticks, sugar and salt)
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks (added to soaking water for flavor)
- 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for thickening)
- 5 tablespoons Coconut Milk Powder (entire pack, gives creamy texture)
- 250 ml Evaporated Milk (canned, adds richness)
- 2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla for depth)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (adds warm spice)
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (a small tube, gives nutty aroma)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
- 4 cups Water (for pressure cooking and adjusting consistency)
Instructions
Soak the Corn
Rinse the dried corn kernels, place them in a bowl, add 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt and enough water to cover. Let soak overnight (at least 8 hours).
Time: PT10M
Initial Pressure Cooking
Drain the soaked corn, transfer to the pressure cooker, add fresh water to just cover the kernels. Seal and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: High pressure
Check & Continue Cooking
Quick‑release the pressure, check the corn for tenderness. If still firm, add a splash of water, reseal and cook another 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: High pressure
Blend the Thickening Base
While the corn finishes cooking, combine 3 tbsp all‑purpose flour, 5 tbsp coconut milk powder and 250 ml evaporated milk in a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate the Base into the Corn
Open the pressure cooker, remove the lid, and gradually stir the blended mixture into the hot corn, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Aromatics
Stir in 2 tbsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp almond extract, and ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg. Mix well.
Time: PT2M
Final Simmer
Bring the porridge to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken to a creamy consistency.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑low
Serve
Ladle the hot Harmony Corn Porridge into bowls. Optionally garnish with a pinch of cinnamon or grated nutmeg.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 340
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 14 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Tree nuts (almond extract)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dried Corn Kernels: Hominy, Canned corn kernels (drained)
- Instead of Cinnamon Sticks: Ground cinnamon (1 tsp added later)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar, Honey (reduce amount)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Cornstarch (2 tbsp), Rice flour
- Instead of Coconut Milk Powder: Coconut cream, Full‑fat coconut milk
- Instead of Evaporated Milk: Condensed milk (use half the amount and add water), Whole milk (increase quantity for same richness)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Maple syrup (1 tbsp), Almond extract (reduce to 1 tsp)
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon stick (1, broken into pieces)
- Instead of Almond Extract: Almond essence, Ground almond (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Ground Nutmeg: Mace (1/4 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Pressure Cooker
- Blender
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Wooden Spoon
- Grater (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soaking the corn overnight with cinnamon, sugar and salt.
- Pressure cooking in two 15‑minute increments to avoid drying out.
- Blending the flour‑coconut‑evaporated milk mixture until smooth.
- Gradually adding the blended mixture to hot corn to prevent lumps.
- Final simmer to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use freshly grated nutmeg for the most aromatic flavor.
- A splash of dark rum can be added for an authentic Jamaican twist.
- For extra creaminess, substitute half of the evaporated milk with coconut cream.
Troubleshooting
Porridge is too thick.
Add a little warm water or milk, stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
Porridge is grainy or has lumps.
Blend the flour‑coconut‑milk mixture more thoroughly and add it slowly while whisking.
Corn remains hard after cooking.
Continue pressure cooking in 5‑minute increments, checking moisture level each time.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or water.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soak the corn a day ahead to save morning prep time.
- The blended base can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Harmony Corn Porridge in Jamaican cuisine?
Corn porridge, known locally as "cornmeal porridge," is a traditional Jamaican breakfast that dates back to the island’s African and Indigenous roots. It was originally a simple, nourishing dish for laborers, and today it remains a comfort food served at homes and street stalls.
What are the traditional regional variations of corn porridge in Jamaica?
In coastal regions, coconut milk or coconut cream is added for extra richness, while inland versions may use plain water and a touch of butter. Some families sweeten it with brown sugar and spice it with cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
How is Harmony Corn Porridge traditionally served in Jamaica?
It is typically served hot in a bowl, often topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or grated nutmeg. Many Jamaicans enjoy it with a side of fresh fruit or a drizzle of condensed milk for added sweetness.
What occasions or celebrations is corn porridge associated with in Jamaican culture?
Corn porridge is a staple at breakfast gatherings, school canteens, and festive mornings such as Easter and Christmas when families prepare larger batches for guests.
What other Jamaican dishes pair well with Harmony Corn Porridge?
It pairs nicely with fried dumplings, callaloo sauté, or a side of ripe plantains. For a full breakfast, serve it alongside ackee and saltfish or boiled green bananas.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Harmony Corn Porridge?
Common errors include over‑cooking the corn, which makes it mushy, and adding the thickening mixture too quickly, which creates lumps. Also, neglecting to check water levels during pressure cooking can cause the porridge to dry out.
Why does this Harmony Corn Porridge recipe use a pressure cooker instead of simmering the corn for hours?
Pressure cooking dramatically reduces cooking time while keeping the corn moist and tender, preventing the porridge from drying out. It also helps the flavors from the cinnamon sticks, sugar, and salt infuse quickly.
Can I make Harmony Corn Porridge ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the porridge a day ahead. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Harmony Corn Porridge is done?
The porridge should be thick yet pourable, with a smooth, creamy surface and visible, tender corn kernels. It should have a glossy sheen from the coconut milk powder and evaporated milk.
What does the YouTube channel Whitney's Kitchen Jamaica specialize in?
Whitney's Kitchen Jamaica focuses on authentic Jamaican home cooking, sharing family recipes, traditional techniques, and Caribbean flavor profiles with clear, step‑by‑step video tutorials.
How does the YouTube channel Whitney's Kitchen Jamaica's approach to Jamaican cooking differ from other Caribbean cooking channels?
Whitney emphasizes simple, everyday ingredients and practical shortcuts—like using a pressure cooker for corn porridge—while preserving the cultural heritage and storytelling behind each dish, setting her channel apart from more restaurant‑style or fusion‑focused Caribbean channels.
Last updated: August 28, 2026








