Servings
Font
Back
0 from 27 votes

Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge

This spiced Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge is a nourishing breakfast that the whole family will love with coconut milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 128 kcal
Course: Breakfast , Snacks
Cuisine: Jamaican , International , Caribbean

Ingredients

Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Ingredients
  • 2 cups (500ml) water
  • 2 cups (500ml) coconut milk (the thinner drinkable type) use regular milk if you prefer
  • 1 cup (160g) yellow cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or to taste
  • condensed coconut milk (or other condensed milk), to your taste
  • maple syrup Optional, to your taste (or other sweeteners)

Instructions

Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Stove Top Instructions
    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the coconut milk, water, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon into a heavy-bottomed large saucepan and slowly bring to a boil.
  2. Then, slowly add in the cornmeal, whisking all the while till it thickens. Reduce the heat to low and stir for a few minutes with a wooden spoon.
  3. Then cover and stir every 8 or so minutes until the cornmeal is cooked. The whole cooking process takes about 45 minutes. The cornmeal is cooked when very thick and falls away from the side of the pan.
  4. When the cornmeal porridge is cooked, stir in maple syrup and condensed coconut milk, switch off the heat, and serve warm.
Make It In The Instant Pot Pot-in-Pot (PIP) Instructions
  1. Coat your oven-safe Pyrex dish with cooking spray or olive oil to reduce the sticking of the cornmeal.
  2. Add the cornmeal, 2 cups of milk, 2 cups of water, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix well.
  3. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot insert, then place the trivet in the bottom and set the bowl of cornmeal on top of the trivet.
  4. Cover the Instant Pot and set the valve to seal, select the manual/pressure cook function at high pressure, and set the timer for 9 minutes.
  5. Switch off the Instant Pot to avoid further cooking. Allow a 3 minutes NPR (natural pressure release) before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
  6. Open the lid and whisk the cornmeal until the ingredients are thoroughly blended, and the mixture is nice and creamy. Next, stir in the rest of the milk.
  7. Carefully remove the bowl of Instant Pot Cornmeal porridge, decant into serving dishes, and add top with maple syrup and nuts.

Notes

  • Suitable for Vegan and Gluten-Free diets. 
  • There are 4 Blue Plan SmartPoints in a serving.
  • You can use coarse or fine cornmeal, depending on your preference. If Jamaican cornmeal porridge is too thick, stir in extra water or coconut milk. Do use a whisk to stir the cornmeal frequently during cooking to avoid getting any lumps. Do not let the cornmeal stand after cooking, or it will solidify. As soon as it is done, mix and decant into serving bowls while still warm. You can vary the flavoring to suit your taste. For example, swap the maple syrup for honey if not vegan. Top Cornmeal Porridge with yogurt, fruit preserves, fresh berries, or a handful of tropical Caribbean fruits. Yum!
  • You can use coarse or fine cornmeal, depending on your preference.
  • If Jamaican cornmeal porridge is too thick, stir in extra water or coconut milk.
  • Do use a whisk to stir the cornmeal frequently during cooking to avoid getting any lumps.
  • Do not let the cornmeal stand after cooking, or it will solidify. As soon as it is done, mix and decant into serving bowls while still warm.
  • You can vary the flavoring to suit your taste. For example, swap the maple syrup for honey if not vegan.
  • Top Cornmeal Porridge with yogurt, fruit preserves, fresh berries, or a handful of tropical Caribbean fruits. Yum!

Nutrition Information

Calories 128kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 22g (7%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Sodium 5mg (0%) Potassium 85mg (2%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 3g (6%) Calcium 37mg (4%) Iron 0.8mg (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 128

% Daily Value*

Calories 128kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 22g 7%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Sodium 5mg 0%
Potassium 85mg 2%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 3g 6%
Calcium 37mg 4%
Iron 0.8mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Report Abuse
Login to Continue
Forgot password?
Don't have an account? Register