Jamaican Corn Meal Porridge – Tired of the same oatmeal for breakfast? Mix it up and try this warming cornmeal porridge instead! Infused with Caribbean spices and coconut milk for a complete warm and comforting breakfast.
Tell me is there a better way to kick start the day than with a warm, hearty breakfast. If you wake up wanting something a bit sweet to combat early morning cravings then you are in luck. This Jamaican cornmeal porridge will do just that.
What I like about it is that it’s so filling and very energizing making it ideal for a pick me up in the a.m. breakfast.
We have been blessed with some much-needed rain here in Southern California. When it rains all I want to do is cozy up with a bowl of this cornmeal porridge and watch as the rainfall in crazy chaotic drops- slowly savoring one spoon at a time. Secretly wanting it to go on for days on end. But every good thing must come to an end.
This Traditional Jamaican cornmeal porridge, is also known as “Cog” and “Pop”- a Caribbean breakfast dish that dates back more than a century.
It’s made with yellow cornmeal, infused with earthy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Most often condensed and/or coconut milk is added for a rich and sweet taste. If you want a vegan then use coconut condensed milk
What does it taste like? An incredible cross between traditional porridge and grits. You have sweetness along with warmth from the cinnamon , nutmeg as well as the sweet “corny” flavor of the cornmeal itself.
A hot cereal with depth and texture that is not too heavy on the stomach. Taste great on it’s own but when combined with fruits and nuts it’s heavenly. My favorite is mango and blueberries.
You can’t go wrong with sliced banana, mango, slivered almonds and/or walnuts. Lastly, you can serve this for brunch, lunch, dinner or an indulgent snack.
Enjoy!!!
Watch How To Make It
NOTES
- Be sure to stir the porridge frequently during cooking to avoid any lumps in your porridge.
- Adjust flavorings and milk to taste. However, nutmeg and vanilla are essential in making Jamaican Porridge.
Jamaican Corn Meal Porridge
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2-3 cups coconut milk drinkable carton variety
- ½ cinnamon stick
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg adjust to taste
- Sweeteners (condensed milk coconut sugar, brown sugar
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk)
Instructions
- Add about 2 cups water and 2 cups coconut milk to a heavy large saucepan. Throw in ½ stick cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil.
- Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, until you have add the whole thing in the pot, a little bit at a time and keep stirring with a wooden spoon to prevent any lumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens about 15 minutes.
- Add flavoring vanilla extract, nutmeg and sweetened condensed milk.
- Adjust consistency with coconut and/or water if desired.
- Turn off the heat. Serve piping hot with extra nutmeg, sweeteners an
Nutrition Information:
Albert says
Could you extrude this to pre-cook it. I love this, thank you for posting
Simran says
Hi Imma,
Great recipe, thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to try making it 🙂
Just a quick question – when we are leaving the cornmeal to cook for 15 mins should we be stirring the pot to ensure there is no lumps or should we leave it?
Many thanks!
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Simran! Yes, stir the cornmeal from time to time to avoid lumps. Do let me know how it works out for you :)!
Monique Philippeaux says
Do you recommend Vanilla or almond extract thank you for the support
ImmaculateBites says
Vanilla extract .Not everyone likes almond extract .
Dee says
This is my go to recipe. I always mess up my porridge. But using this recipe, I achieved a smooth thick and flavorful porridge everytime!!! Thank you.
ImmaculateBites says
Awesome!! I am so glad this porridge turned out great for you Dee 🙂 !
Nicci says
My fiancée is from Grenada and he requests this porridge, at least 3 days a week. It’s the best recipe I’ve ever made. Thanks so much, Imma. All of your recipes are sooo good!
Natalie says
Can you reheat in the microwave if you make a big pot
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Natalie! Yes, you can reheat in the microwave.
Shenique Williams says
It was good flavoring reminded me of when I went to Jamaica. My only problem I had was before the 15 min the porridge had thickened so consistency was creamy but it was smooth. I did double but it was all measured correctly.
nccetc says
Just add water (and milk if necessary) until you regain the consistency you desire. Do not add any more sweetner (sugar, condensed milk, etc) until you’re finished
Lauren Koranteng says
This porridge is simply delicious!!
Thank you for sharing .
God bless you !
Amecia Stern says
Made it this morning and it was fantastic
Scarlet says
This came out so good. Nice and creamy. Thank you
ImmaculateBites says
Thank you Scarlet! So glad to hear it turned out great for you :)!
Laureen says
I made it. Its delicious.
Cherylin says
I forgot how to make this dish! Came in handy for the New Year breakfast . My family and I enjoyed it. Thanks!
Ateamx4 says
Love love love this recipe. I added a little butter. It was amazing. Thanks for this recipe!!
Ateamx4 says
Forgot to leave the 5 stars!! Would give more if I could
Hope says
My 2 year old nephew loved this. I personally did not care for the nutmeg and cinnamon taste. Just a personal preference. Maybe next time I’ll add just a hint of nutmeg and skip the cinnamon. Otherwise, very quick and simple recipe.
ImmaculateBites says
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback!
Mark says
I put sausage in mine and i use vanilla ensure instead of coconut milk i love this stuff and healthy, everyone always wants me to make it,
imma africanbites says
Those are really great additions. Thanks for sharing!
Tommy says
This is my go to corn porridge recipe. My wife gets excited when I make it! I use coconut water and add whole allspice and cloves.
ImmaculateBites says
I get excited about corn porridge too! Thank you for the tips Tommy.
Unruly says
I just made this recipe as I can never find a good replica of jamaican cornmeal porridge and this was IT! I just replaced the coconut milk with 2% lactose milk (all I had at the moment) and it was just fine . I loved every spoonful of it
Janet says
Delish!!! I make this porridge using the fine cornmeal and I absolutely love it….No more cream of wheat for me.My official winter breakfast meal
Mary says
My son fell in love with cornmeal porridge in Jamaica this winter. He says this was almost as good. I think the warm ocean breeze and view might have been the missing ingredients.
ImmaculateBites says
LoL. I need to add these two ingredients to the mix to make it just right. Thanks for taking time out to share this with us Mary.
steph says
hi i lost so much weight from my recent surgery and my friend suggested that i eat this to gain weight. what is the best cornmeal brand to buy? i will go found shopping today
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Steph,
I usually use quaker cornmeal, Albers or Aunt Gemima . However, any store brand works just fine.