Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Recipe
There’s nothing like starting your day with the warm, delicious and comforting taste of Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge.
This breakfast favorite is rich and creamy, and a favorite in many Jamaican homes.
Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge fills your belly and brings a sense of nostalgia with every spoonful.
Whether you’re trying Jamaican food for the first time or revisiting cherished childhood memories, this Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Recipe is sure to become a favorite.
What is Cornmeal?
Cornmeal is a type of coarse flour made from dried corn. It comes in different textures, from fine to coarse, and is used in many dishes around the world. In Jamaican cooking, cornmeal is the main ingredient in Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge.
What is Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge?
Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge is a traditional breakfast dish with a creamy texture and delicious flavor. It’s made by simmering cornmeal in milk or coconut milk and adding cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla for a rich taste. It’s mildly sweetened, often with condensed milk or sugar.
Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge can be made with coconut milk. Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge can also be made without coconut milk. Whichever you choose, it’s perfect for a hearty and comforting start to the day.
In Jamaica, the older generation often refers to Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge as “Pop” or “Cog.” These traditional names reflect the porridge’s deep roots in Jamaican culture and its longstanding popularity as a comforting, go-to breakfast.
Which Cornmeal Should I Use?
For a quick and easy Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge, it’s best to use fine yellow cornmeal. This type ensures a smooth consistency that cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the spices. Coarse cornmeal can also be used, but it will take longer to cook and may require more liquid.
Why You Will Love This Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Recipe
1. Comforting and Filling: This porridge is hearty and satisfying. It’s perfect for starting your day on a positive note.
2. Easy to Make: The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for any level of home cook.
3. Flavorful: The combination of coconut milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg gives this dish a warm, rich, and slightly sweet flavor profile.
4. Nutritious: Cornmeal is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making this breakfast both tasty and nourishing.
5. Versatile: You can customize the sweetness, texture, and toppings to suit your preference.
Ingredients for Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge
To make authentic Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge, you will need the following ingredients:
- Cornmeal: Choose fine yellow cornmeal because it’s easier to prepare and cook quickly.
- Unsweetened milk: Coconut milk (or your desired milk eg., regular milk or almond milk)
- Sweetened condensed milk or substitute with sugar or sweetener
- Water: For cooking the porridge and achieving the desired consistency.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon sticks or a pinch of ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg: Grated or ground
- Salt: To balance the sweetness
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of warmth and sweetness.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Saucepan: A medium or large saucepan for cooking the porridge.
- Whisk or Wooden Spoon: For stirring the porridge to keep it smooth and lump-free.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out your ingredients accurately.
- Ladle: For serving the porridge.
How to Make Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge
To make Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge, start by mixing fine cornmeal with water until smooth. In a saucepan, bring coconut milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to a gentle boil.
Gradually add the cornmeal mixture to the boiling liquid, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. As the porridge thickens, adjust the consistency by adding more water if necessary.
Once it reaches the desired thickness, reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally. After simmering, enhance the flavor by adding vanilla extract, nutmeg, and sweeten to taste with condensed milk or sugar.
🥄✨ You can view the step-by-step instructions and the full recipe below.
What to Serve Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge With
Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge is traditionally enjoyed on its own, but you can add:
- Fresh Fruit: Add slices of banana, mango, or berries.
- Drizzle of Honey or Maple Syrup: For an extra touch of sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Sprinkle on top for added aroma and flavor.
Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Recipe: FAQs
1. Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of regular milk and sweeten with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a fully dairy-free option.
2. Can I Use Other Types of Sweeteners?
Absolutely! Feel free to use brown sugar, honey, or any sweetener you prefer to suit your taste and dietary needs.
3. Why Is My Porridge Lumpy?
Lumps can form if the cornmeal is added directly to boiling water without first creating a slurry. Whisking continuously during the initial cooking phase helps prevent lumps.
4. Do I need to use both cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon?
No, you can use either cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon based on your preference. Using both is not necessary.
5. What should I do if my cornmeal porridge is too thick?
If your cornmeal porridge is too thick, gradually add more milk or water while stirring until you achieve the desired consistency.
This Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge recipe is a delightful way to bring the taste of Jamaica into your home.
Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 1½ cups Cornmeal: (fine yellow cornmeal)
- 3 ½ cups Unsweetened milk: Coconut milk or your desired milk eg., regular milk or almond milk
- Sweetened condensed milk: To taste, based on desired sweetness or substitute with sugar or sweetener to taste.
- 3 cups Water: Adjust based on desired consistency
- 1 Cinnamon stick or ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp Nutmeg: (grated or ground)
- ½ Salt
- 1½ tsp Vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal with water. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the coconut milk, cinnamon stick (or powder), and a salt. Bring the mixture to boil.
- Once the mixture starts boiling, gradually pour in the cornmeal mixture while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Continue stirring as the porridge begins to thicken. If it becomes too thick, gradually add more water, a little at a time, while whisking to achieve the desired consistency.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the porridge simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After simmering for 10 minutes, remove the cinnamon stick. Stir in the vanilla extract, grated nutmeg, and sweeten to taste with condensed milk or sugar.
- Cook for an additional 4 minutes and continue stirring to incorporate the flavors.
- Once the porridge reaches your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from heat.
- Serve immediately in bowls. Allow the porridge to cool slightly before eating, as it will be very hot.
- Enjoy your creamy and delicious Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge.
NOTES
- For a thicker texture: Reduce the amount of milk or water used.
- For a thinner consistency: Increase the amount of milk or water.
If you enjoyed the Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Recipe, please take a moment to scroll down and leave a comment and review!
