Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge

Authentic Jamaican Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge — a delicious breakfast dish with 8 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

15

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

350

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 4 cups Water
  • 380 g Coconut Milk
  • 1 cup Fine Yellow Cornmeal
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 1 tsp Ground Allspice
  • 1 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk

Instructions

4 steps · ~31 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Add 2 ½ cups water, 1 can coconut milk to a 4 QT heavy bottomed pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

    10 minutes
    Use a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.
  2. Step 2

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

    3 minutes
    Use room-temperature ingredients for better volume when whisking.
  3. Step 3

    Once the pot begins to boil, whisk in cornmeal mixture and continue to whisk for about 1 minute, ensuring there are no lumps. Reduce heat to low and cover with a tight fitting lid.

    10 minutes
    Use a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.
  4. Step 4

    Cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. When there is about 5 minutes left, stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and all-spice. Remove from heat and sweeten with condensed milk. Serve and enjoy.

    8 minutes
    Warm your serving plates in the oven briefly for a restaurant-quality touch.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Jamaican recipe for Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Jamaican cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your jamaican meal with these perfect pairings:

🥤Freshly squeezed orange juice
Hot coffee or tea
🍳Eggs and toast on the side

About This Dish

Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge is a beloved dish from Jamaican cuisine, originating in Jamaica. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Jamaican cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavors from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Known for its bold seasonings, jerk-style cooking, and tropical ingredients.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 8 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

It's best to use fine or medium cornmeal for a smooth texture in Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge.

Rate This Recipe

How was this recipe?

Share This Recipe

Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories350kcal
Total Fat16g
Sodium435mg
Total Carbohydrates39g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein42g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineJamaican
CategoryBreakfast
CountryJamaica