Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge

Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge is a easy Jamaican recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Ricardo Cooking on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $3.06 total, $0.76 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Fine Cornmeal (sifted)
  • 0.5 cup Coconut Milk (half a standard 400 ml can, shaken well)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (regular dairy milk)
  • 4 cups Water (cold tap water)
  • 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (approximately 14 oz (397 g) Jamaican style)
  • 1 large Egg (beaten)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Essence (pure vanilla extract preferred)
  • 1 pinch Cinnamon (ground)
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg (ground)
  • 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 0.25 cup Brown Sugar (packed)

Instructions

  1. Combine milks and cornmeal

    In a small bowl, whisk together the fine cornmeal, coconut milk, and whole milk until smooth and free of lumps.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Bring water to a boil

    Pour 4 cups of water into the heavy‑bottomed pot and bring to a rolling boil over medium heat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Add cornmeal mixture

    Gradually pour the cornmeal‑milk mixture into the boiling water while stirring constantly with the wooden spoon to prevent lumps.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Cook until thick

    Reduce heat to low and continue stirring for 10–15 minutes until the porridge thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Low heat

  5. Sweeten the porridge

    Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and brown sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add egg and flavorings

    Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the hot porridge while whisking continuously to create a silky texture. Then add vanilla essence, a pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and the teaspoon of salt. Whisk for another 2 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Final simmer

    Let the porridge simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a glossy, thick consistency.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Low heat

  8. Serve

    Spoon the hot caramel porridge into bowls and enjoy immediately, optionally with a side of fried dumplings or Jamaican hard‑bread.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Milk, Egg, Coconut

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge

Recipe by Chef Ricardo Cooking

A warm, creamy Jamaican caramel porridge made with fine cornmeal, coconut milk, whole milk, and sweetened condensed milk, finished with a hint of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of salt. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack.

EasyJamaicanServes 4

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

Source Video
8m
Prep
27m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
45m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.06
Total cost
$0.76
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Whisk the cornmeal with coconut and whole milk before adding to boiling water to avoid lumps.
  • Stir continuously while cooking to prevent the porridge from sticking to the pot.
  • When adding the egg, drizzle slowly and whisk constantly to prevent curdling.

Safety Warnings

  • The pot and contents will be very hot; use oven mitts when handling.
  • When adding the egg, ensure the porridge is not boiling vigorously to avoid scrambling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Jamaican caramel porridge, also known as "cornmeal porridge," is a traditional breakfast staple that dates back to the island’s colonial era when cornmeal was a cheap, filling grain. It is often enjoyed with sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and spices, reflecting the island’s blend of African, British, and Caribbean influences.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Jamaican Caramel Cornmeal Porridge within Jamaica?

A

In coastal regions, cooks often add extra coconut milk for a richer tropical flavor, while in the interior, some families prefer using only dairy milk and a touch of brown sugar. Some variations also include a splash of rum for festive occasions.

cultural
Q

How is Jamaican Caramel Cornmeal Porridge traditionally served in Jamaica?

A

It is typically served hot in a bowl, sometimes topped with a drizzle of extra sweetened condensed milk, and accompanied by fried dumplings ("festivals") or Jamaican hard‑bread. It is a comforting breakfast or a late‑night snack.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Jamaican Caramel Cornmeal Porridge traditionally associated with in Jamaican culture?

A

The porridge is popular for everyday breakfast but also appears at family gatherings, church events, and holiday breakfasts such as Christmas, where the added richness of coconut and condensed milk makes it feel festive.

cultural
Q

What makes Jamaican Caramel Cornmeal Porridge special or unique in Caribbean cuisine?

A

Its unique combination of fine cornmeal, creamy coconut milk, and sweetened condensed milk creates a silky, caramel‑sweet texture that is distinct from other Caribbean porridges, which often use oats or rice.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include adding the cornmeal mixture to cold water (causing lumps), not stirring enough while it thickens (leading to scorching), and adding the egg when the porridge is boiling vigorously, which can cause curdling.

technical
Q

Why does this Jamaican Caramel Cornmeal Porridge recipe use both coconut milk and whole milk instead of just one type of milk?

A

Coconut milk adds a subtle tropical richness and aroma, while whole milk contributes creaminess and body. Together they create a balanced flavor that is richer than using either milk alone.

technical
Q

Can I make Jamaican Caramel Cornmeal Porridge ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the porridge up to the point before adding the egg and spices, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, add the egg and spices, and stir until smooth.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Jamaican Caramel Cornmeal Porridge?

A

The porridge should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, glossy, and have a smooth, velvety surface without lumps. It should have a caramel‑golden hue from the condensed milk and brown sugar.

technical
Q

How do I know when Jamaican Caramel Cornmeal Porridge is done cooking?

A

When the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pot, forms a smooth ribbon as you stir, and has a thick but pourable consistency, it is done. A quick taste should be creamy and fully cooked through.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Ricardo Cooking specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef Ricardo Cooking specializes in easy-to-follow Caribbean and international home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on flavorful, comfort‑food recipes that use readily available ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Ricardo Cooking's approach to Jamaican cooking differ from other Caribbean cooking channels?

A

Chef Ricardo Cooking emphasizes simple, step‑by‑step explanations with clear visual cues, often adapting traditional Jamaican dishes for a modern home kitchen while maintaining authentic flavors, whereas many other channels focus on more elaborate or restaurant‑style presentations.

channel

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