Cornmeal Porridge, Healthy, Hearty & Creamy (Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge with coconut milk)
Cornmeal Porridge, Healthy, Hearty & Creamy (Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge with coconut milk) is a easy Jamaican recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Racquel’s Caribbean Cuisine on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $3.57 total, $0.60 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 cups Water (for boiling the porridge base)
- 2 sticks Cinnamon Sticks (or cinnamon leaves (B leaves) for flavor)
- 2 cups Cornmeal (fine or medium grind, gluten‑free)
- 1 cup Coconut Milk (full‑fat canned coconut milk for richness)
- 1 cup Evaporated Milk (canned, adds creaminess)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla essence)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (enhances flavor)
- 1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (adds sweetness and richness)
- 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg (freshly grated for aroma)
Instructions
Boil Cinnamon‑Infused Water
Add 8 cups of water and 2 cinnamon sticks (or leaves) to a large pot. Bring to a rolling boil over medium‑high heat, then let simmer for 2–3 minutes to extract the flavor.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Prepare Cornmeal Slurry
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cornmeal with enough cold water to make a smooth, lump‑free slurry (about 1 cup). Whisk vigorously until all dry spots disappear.
Time: PT3M
Incorporate Slurry into Boiling Water
Slowly pour the cornmeal slurry into the boiling cinnamon water while stirring continuously. Continue to stir for 2–3 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken and is free of lumps.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 90°C
Simmer the Porridge
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot, and let the porridge simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir gently every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and to achieve a smooth texture.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: Low (≈80°C)
Add Creamy Flavorings
Stir in 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup evaporated milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, 2 Tbsp sugar, and the freshly grated nutmeg. Mix until fully incorporated and the porridge is glossy and creamy.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low
Rest and Serve
Remove the pot from heat and let the porridge sit uncovered for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Serve warm in bowls; optional garnish with a pinch of extra grated nutmeg or toasted coconut flakes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: RoomTemp
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Vegetarian
Allergens: Milk, Coconut
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cinnamon Sticks: Ground cinnamon (use 1 tsp)
- Instead of Cornmeal: Polenta, Ground white corn
- Instead of Coconut Milk: Almond milk, Regular whole milk
- Instead of Evaporated Milk: Half‑and‑half, Heavy cream diluted 1:1 with water
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla powder, Maple extract (smaller amount)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Sweetened Condensed Milk: Honey, Maple syrup (adjust quantity)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar, Coconut sugar
- Instead of Nutmeg: Ground nutmeg (1/8 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Microplane Grater
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boiling the cinnamon‑infused water extracts the essential spice flavor.
- Slowly adding the cornmeal slurry while stirring prevents lumps.
- Simmering on low heat for the full 20 minutes develops the creamy texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the cinnamon sticks briefly before boiling for a deeper spice aroma.
- Use fine‑ground cornmeal for the smoothest texture.
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of extra condensed milk for visual appeal.
Troubleshooting
Porridge is lumpy.
Whisk the cornmeal slurry thoroughly before adding, and pour it slowly while stirring constantly.
Porridge is too thick.
Add a little extra water or milk, stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
Porridge is too thin.
Continue simmering uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring frequently to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture may become grainy after freezing.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; keep covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the porridge up to step 4, then cool and refrigerate. Add the milks and sweeteners when ready to serve.
- Reheat over low heat, stirring in a little extra coconut or evaporated milk to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge in Caribbean cuisine?
Jamaican cornmeal porridge, known locally as "cornmeal porridge" or "cornmeal mush," has long been a staple breakfast for island families. It originated from African and Indigenous cooking traditions, providing a cheap, filling, and nutritious start to the day, especially for schoolchildren and laborers.
What are the traditional regional variations of Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge within Jamaica?
In the western parishes, cooks often add ginger and brown sugar, while in the eastern regions coconut milk is favored. Some families also stir in raisins or toasted pumpkin seeds for extra texture.
How is Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge traditionally served in Jamaican households?
It is typically served hot in a bowl, sweetened with condensed milk or sugar, and finished with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. A drizzle of extra coconut milk or a dollop of butter is sometimes added for extra richness.
On what occasions or celebrations is Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge traditionally enjoyed in Jamaican culture?
While it is an everyday breakfast, it is also served on special family gatherings, church breakfasts, and during school holidays as a comforting, energy‑boosting dish for children.
How does Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge fit into the broader Caribbean cuisine tradition?
Cornmeal porridge reflects the Caribbean emphasis on hearty, grain‑based dishes flavored with local spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It shares similarities with other island porridges made from plantains, sweet potatoes, or cassava, all meant to provide sustenance and warmth.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fine cornmeal, water, cinnamon sticks, coconut milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, nutmeg, and salt. Substitutes can be almond milk for coconut milk, half‑and‑half for evaporated milk, or honey/maple syrup in place of condensed milk and sugar.
What other Jamaican dishes pair well with Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge?
A side of fried dumplings ("Johnny cakes"), fresh tropical fruit like sliced mango or banana, and a cup of strong Jamaican coffee make a classic breakfast combo.
What makes Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge special or unique in Jamaican cuisine?
Its silky, creamy texture achieved by the combination of coconut and evaporated milks, plus the aromatic blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, sets it apart from other grain porridges. The use of sweetened condensed milk adds a distinct caramel‑like sweetness that is uniquely Jamaican.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge?
Common errors include adding the cornmeal all at once (causing lumps), cooking on too high a heat (which can scorch the bottom), and not stirring enough during the 20‑minute simmer, leading to uneven texture.
Why does this Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge recipe use both sweetened condensed milk and granulated sugar?
Condensed milk provides a rich, caramel‑like sweetness and extra creaminess, while a small amount of granulated sugar lets you fine‑tune the sweetness level without making the porridge overly thick.
Can I make Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the base up to step 4, cool it, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently and stir in the milks, condensed milk, and sweeteners before plating.
What does the YouTube channel Racquel’s Caribbean Cuisine specialize in?
The YouTube channel Racquel’s Caribbean Cuisine focuses on authentic Caribbean home cooking, showcasing traditional recipes from Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, and other islands with clear, step‑by‑step demonstrations.
How does the YouTube channel Racquel’s Caribbean Cuisine’s approach to Jamaican cooking differ from other Caribbean cooking channels?
Racquel’s Caribbean Cuisine emphasizes family‑style comfort dishes, often sharing personal stories and cultural context, while keeping techniques simple for home cooks. The channel also highlights ingredient substitutions for U.S. grocery stores, making Caribbean flavors more accessible.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
