How To Make Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge

Ingredients

• 2 cups Water (for boiling the base)
• 0.25 cup Water (for thinning the caramel before adding to pot)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (regular table salt)
• 1 leaf Cinnamon Leaf (or 1 cinnamon stick if leaf unavailable)
• 2 cups Refined Caramel (liquid caramel sauce, smooth)
• 1 cup Coconut Milk (fresh or canned, well‑shaken)
• 0.25 cup Evaporated Milk (canned evaporated milk)
• 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla extract)
• 0.5 teaspoon Almond Extract (optional, adds depth)
• 1 tablespoon Nutmeg (freshly grated nutmeg)
• to taste Crackers (for serving, broken into pieces)

Instructions

1. Infuse Water with Cinnamon

   Add 2 cups water, 1 tsp salt, and 1 cinnamon leaf (or stick) to the saucepan. Heat over medium‑high until it reaches a rolling boil, then let simmer for 5 minutes to extract the cinnamon flavor.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium-high heat

2. Prepare Caramel Mixture

   In a small bowl, combine 2 cups refined caramel with 0.25 cup water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

   Time: PT2M

3. Add Caramel to Boiling Water

   Reduce heat to medium. Slowly pour the caramel‑water mixture into the saucepan while continuously stirring with the wooden spoon. Continue to stir and cook for about 9 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.

   Time: PT9M

   Temperature: Medium

4. Stir in Coconut Milk

   Add 1 cup coconut milk to the pot, stir well, then cover (optional) and let simmer for 6 minutes on medium heat until the porridge is smooth and creamy.

   Time: PT6M

   Temperature: Medium

5. Finish with Evaporated Milk and Flavors

   Turn heat to medium‑low. Add 0.25 cup evaporated milk, 1 tbsp vanilla extract, 0.5 tsp almond extract, and 1 tbsp freshly grated nutmeg. Stir and cook for 2 minutes, ensuring the mixture stays smooth.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium-low

6. Serve with Crackers

   Ladle the hot porridge into bowls, break crackers into pieces and stir them in, or serve on the side. Enjoy immediately while warm.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

436

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

103 g

Fat

13 g

Fiber

0 g