Authentic Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge (Rich, Creamy & Smooth Every Time)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Porridge

• 1 cup fine yellow cornmeal
• 2 cups cold water (for making the slurry)
• 1 packet Grace Coconut Milk Powder (50g)
• ½ cup hot water (to dissolve the coconut milk powder)
• 2 cups water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon Benjamins Vanilla
• 1 teaspoon Benjamins Rose Water
• ¼–½ cup sweetened condensed milk (or to taste)
• 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 packet of Grace Coconut Milk Powder in ½ cup hot water. Stir until completely smooth and set aside.
2. In a separate medium bowl, combine the cornmeal with 2 cups of cold water. Whisk until completely smooth with no lumps to create a slurry. Set aside.

3. In a large heavy-bottom pot, combine:

   • 2 cups water
   • Prepared coconut milk
   • Salt
   • Cinnamon powder
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

    

4. While continuously whisking, slowly pour the cornmeal slurry into the pot. Continue stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon until the porridge becomes smooth, creamy, and thick.
6. Stir in the Benjamins Vanilla, Benjamins Rose Water, ground nutmeg, sweetened condensed milk, and brown sugar. Mix well until fully combined.
7. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding a little more condensed milk or brown sugar.
8. If the porridge becomes too thick, gradually stir in a little hot water or prepared coconut milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Hard Dough Bread
• Jamaican Crackers
• Fried Dumplings
• Fresh Fruit
• A cup of hot Jamaican chocolate tea or herbal tea

Yaad Pantry Tip

For perfectly smooth Jamaican cornmeal porridge every time, always make a slurry using cold water before adding the cornmeal to the pot. We also love using Grace Coconut Milk Powder because it delivers rich coconut flavor while keeping this pantry staple convenient and authentic.

Pro Tips

• Stir frequently while cooking to prevent lumps and sticking.
• Sweeten gradually. Start with the condensed milk, then adjust with brown sugar to your taste.
• If the porridge becomes too thick after sitting, simply stir in a splash of hot water or prepared coconut milk before serving.
• Benjamins Rose Water gives this porridge its authentic Jamaican aroma and flavor.
• The porridge will continue to thicken as it cools, so adjust the consistency before serving if needed.

Recipe Notes

• Fine yellow cornmeal produces the smoothest, most authentic texture.
• Using Grace Coconut Milk Powder creates a rich, creamy coconut flavor while making it easy to keep this essential ingredient on hand.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more hot water or prepared coconut milk until the porridge reaches your desired thickness.
• This porridge is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated with a little hot water or coconut milk to restore its creamy consistency.