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Authentic Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge with Coconut Milk

A close-up of creamy Jamaican cornmeal porridge with coconut milk, topped generously with ground cinnamon.
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Make creamy, traditional Jamaican cornmeal porridge using rich coconut milk. This recipe provides simple steps for a comforting Caribbean breakfast staple.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fine cornmeal
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 whole cinnamon stick (for simmering)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cornmeal and 2 cups of the water. Whisk well until the cornmeal is completely dissolved and there are no lumps.
  2. Add the remaining 2 cups of water and the whole cinnamon stick to the saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat.
  3. Stir the mixture constantly as it begins to heat. This constant stirring prevents lumps from forming.
  4. When the mixture starts to thicken slightly, reduce the heat to low. Continue stirring for about 5 minutes until the porridge begins to bubble gently.
  5. Pour in the full can of coconut milk, stirring until fully incorporated.
  6. Add the sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
  7. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently, for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the porridge reaches your desired thick, creamy consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of hot water or more coconut milk.
  8. Remove the cinnamon stick. Stir in the vanilla extract just before serving.
  9. Serve hot. You can top with extra cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.

Notes

  • To prevent lumps when mixing the cornmeal, whisk it into the cold water first before applying heat.
  • For a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking, removing any small lumps that may have formed.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference for a sweet cornmeal cereal recipe.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/jamaican-cornmeal-porridge-with-coconut-milk/