How to make THE BEST Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge!

Ingredients

• 750 ml Water (for boiling base)
• 0.5 tsp Sea Salt (adds flavor)
• 2 sticks Cinnamon Sticks (whole sticks for aromatic flavor)
• 1 tsp Nutmeg (freshly grated for best aroma)
• 2 tsp Benjamin's Vanilla Extract (Jamaican brand, optional)
• 2 cups Yellow Cornmeal (coarse Jamaican style, gives hearty texture)
• 200 ml Coconut Milk (half a standard 400 ml can)
• 60 ml Eagle Condensed Milk (sweetens porridge, use any brand)
• 60 ml Carnation Evaporated Milk (adds creaminess)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional extra) (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Nutmeg (optional extra) (freshly grated, adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Boil Aromatic Water

   Fill the large pot with 750 ml water, bring to a rolling boil, then add 0.5 tsp sea salt, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg, and 2 tsp Benjamin's vanilla extract. Stir to dissolve the salt.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 100°C

2. Prepare Cornmeal Slurry

   Measure 2 cups coarse yellow cornmeal into a mixing bowl, add about 60 ml water and stir until a smooth, lump‑free slurry forms.

   Time: PT3M

3. Add Coconut Milk

   Open a 400 ml can of coconut milk and pour half (200 ml) into the boiling pot. Stir gently.

   Time: PT1M

4. Incorporate Cornmeal Slurry

   Reduce heat to medium and slowly pour the cornmeal slurry into the pot while stirring continuously with the wooden spoon to avoid lumps.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 100°C

5. Simmer and Thicken

   Bring the mixture back to a gentle boil, then lower to medium heat. Partially cover the pot (leave a small vent) and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   Time: PT20M

6. Add Sweeteners and Cream

   Stir in 60 ml Eagle condensed milk, 60 ml Carnation evaporated milk, and, if desired, an extra 1 tsp vanilla and 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg. Mix until fully incorporated.

   Time: PT3M

7. Final Cook

   Continue cooking on low heat for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the porridge smooth and to stop it from sticking to the bottom.

   Time: PT15M

8. Taste and Adjust

   Turn off the heat. Taste the porridge and add more milk, vanilla, or nutmeg if needed. Stir well.

   Time: PT3M

9. Serve

   Ladle the hot porridge into bowls and serve with sliced hard bread, Jamaican crackers, or toast.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

320

Protein

5g

Carbohydrates

55g

Fat

12g

Fiber

3g