How to Make Jamaican Cornmeal & Oatmeal Porridge

Ingredients

• 1 cup Rolled Oats (standard rolled oats)
• 1 cup Cornmeal (fine cornmeal (polenta style))
• 0.33 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
• 2 pieces Bay Leaves (dried)
• 2 pieces Cinnamon Sticks (whole sticks)
• 1 can Coconut Milk (full‑fat, 13.5 fl oz)
• 0.33 cup Sweet Condensed Milk (approximately 80 ml)
• 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla extract)
• 1 teaspoon Nutmeg Powder (ground nutmeg)
• 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon Powder (ground cinnamon)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
• 5.5 cups Water (4 cups for boiling + 1.5 cups from canned water)

Instructions

1. Gather and Measure Ingredients

   Measure all ingredients into separate containers so they are ready to use.

   Time: PT5M

2. Boil Aromatic Water

   In a large saucepan combine 4 cups water, 1 tsp salt, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a rolling boil over medium‑high heat.

   Time: PT5M

3. Blend Oats, Cornmeal, and Liquids

   While the water is heating, place 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup cornmeal, the full can of coconut milk, and the canned water into a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth.

   Time: PT2M

4. Combine Blend with Boiling Water

   When the water reaches a boil, remove the cinnamon sticks and bay leaves (optional). Slowly pour the blended mixture into the saucepan while stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to avoid lumps.

   Time: PT3M

5. Simmer the Porridge

   Reduce the heat to low and let the porridge simmer for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to keep it from sticking to the bottom.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: low heat

6. Add Spices and Sweetener

   Stir in 1 tsp nutmeg powder, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp vanilla extract, and ⅓ cup brown sugar. Mix until fully dissolved.

   Time: PT2M

7. Finish with Condensed Milk

   Add ⅓ cup sweet condensed milk (or to taste). Continue cooking on low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the porridge reaches a thick, creamy consistency.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: low heat

8. Serve

   Remove the saucepan from the heat. Ladle the hot porridge into bowls and enjoy immediately. Optional: sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

7 g

Carbohydrates

73 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

4 g