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Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge
BreakfastJamaican

Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge

Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge is a classic Jamaican breakfast that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.

Carefully prepared featuring Coconut Milk, Fine Yellow Cornmeal, Vanilla Extract, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Allspice and Sweetened Condensed Milk, the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. The cooking process allows natural aromas to develop, ensuring each portion is both hearty and flavorful.

Serve hot alongside fresh bread, steamed grains, or a crisp seasonal salad for a well-rounded dining experience.

If you enjoy authentic Jamaican cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Ackee And Saltfish.

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Ingredients

  • Water4 cups
  • Coconut Milk380g
  • Fine Yellow Cornmeal1 cup
  • Vanilla Extract1 1/2 tsp
  • Ground Cinnamon1/2 tsp
  • Ground Nutmeg1/2 tsp
  • Ground Allspice1/4 tsp
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk1/2 cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

9 steps

Interactive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.

Step 1

Add 2 ½ cups water, 1 can coconut milk to a 4 QT heavy bottomed pot.

Step 2♨️ Boil

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3🥄 Mix

Meanwhile, add 1 cup cornmeal and 1 ½ cup water to a large mixing cup and whisk until smooth.

Step 4♨️ Boil⏱️ 1 minute

Once the pot begins to boil, whisk in cornmeal mixture and continue to whisk for about 1 minute, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 5

Reduce heat to low and cover with a tight fitting lid.

Step 6🍲 Simmer⏱️ 15-20 minutes

Cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7🥄 Mix⏱️ 5 minutes

When there is about 5 minutes left, stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and all-spice.

Step 8

Remove from heat and sweeten with condensed milk.

Step 9✨ Serve

Serve and enjoy.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes

Cultural Heritage

Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge carries a rich culinary tradition rooted in regional home cooking. Developed over generations, the recipe highlights wholesome local ingredients prepared with time-honored kitchen techniques.

Dietary Substitutions

You can freely swap coconut milk with firm pressed tofu, seitan, or thinly sliced mushrooms for a wholesome, plant-based stir-fry with equal bite and flavor absorption.

Chef Technique Tips

Ensure all ingredients are sliced to uniform thickness and patted dry before they hit the pan. Searing in a scorching hot skillet or wok creates authentic smoky caramelization ('wok hei') rather than steaming the ingredients.

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