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:
Lesley-May says
Thanks Imma. I used to make this growing up, but needed a reminder after some years. Great recipe.
Amina says
Aww good to hear that. Browse the blog to have more amazing recipes and remember your grown-up days.
Vanessa Williamson says
Just made this following every step! Yum!
imma africanbites says
Woohoo! So glad it turned out great for you. Thanks for the feedback.
HorseDeadCowFat says
Love cornmeal porridge which to more taste more like corn bread. The only similarity I find to grits is the texture. Have not eaten grits for over twenty years can’t deal with the texture.
Kevin says
Fantastic. I tried another somewhat similar recipe which just didn’t do it for me (admittey, it used less condensed milk.) Other than using 1/2 /tsp ground cinnamon instead of the cinnamon stick, I made exactly as directed. Smooth and tasty… I had to push aside when I remembered that it’s supposed to be 5 servings. I’m one of those fortunate individuals with a mango tree in my backyard so I’m looking forward to trying a few slices on top of this when they’re in season.
imma africanbites says
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Kevin. It’s definitely hard to stop eating this especially when you have those toppings. 😉
Steven says
Well done!! Feels like home when i make this.
Emily says
Went to Jamaica recently and ate this practically every morning. This recipe is easy and so flavorful. I make a big batch and it’s my go-to breakfast now! I eat it with bread or crackers, but you can’t go wrong with Imma’s suggestions of fruit or nuts.
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Emily! Nice to know that you liked this recipe. 🙂
ML says
This was super easy to make and tastes sooooo good!
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, ML! Glad you enjoyed this 🙂
Kc says
Great instructions . Side bar jamaican never eat mongo with or before breakfast.
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Kc! 🙂
Sher says
Mangoes can be eaten any time. Also as a college student this is good for me..thank you I will try it and let you know.
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Sher! Enjoy 🙂
Iesha says
Absolutely delicious!!!
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you! 🙂
Carolyn Forbes says
This recipe is the best I‘be tried
ImmaculateBites says
Thanks so much!
Don says
Great tasting recipe, I didn’t have a whisk so I used a blender to smoothe out the cornmeal with other ingredients.
ImmaculateBites says
Thanks for the feedback.
Kelsey O. says
Omg this was so delicious! I stumbled upon this recipe while looking up ways to reheat polenta in the air fryer and I’m so glad I clicked and tried it out! I used ground cinnamon instead of a cinnamon stick, so mine turned a kind of grey color but what it lacked in visual appeal it made up for in flavor this turned out so good, i didn’t even need any additional sweetener beyond the condensed milk. I also added bananas on top but towards the end I pushed them aside to just eat the porridge plain. It’s that good. Excited to try this with mangoes on top too and since I’m on this polenta in the air fryer kick I might try letting the leftovers set, cut them into little strips or cubes, drizzling with coconut oil and reheating them in the air fryer?? I could see these being almost like French toast sticks, dusted with some extra nutmeg and cinnamon and drizzled with some extra condensed milk as a tasty dessert. Thanks so much for the recipe!!!!
Imma Adamu says
Hi Kelsey, thank you for the feedback and appreciation!
I’m so glad that you loved it!
Damarnie Nevers says
I love this recipe , I was looking for a corn meal porridge recipe n I saw this one and this is what of looking for creamy and rich. Thanks very much
ImmaculateBites says
You are welcome!
Candace B says
How long can I keep this in the fridge?
ImmaculateBites says
Hello ! This is best served as soon as you take it out from the stove.
Rose says
Very excited to try this!!
Lori J Nelson says
Hello Imma, I’m American and I love Cornmeal porridge but I’ve never made it myself; so tonight I gave it a try. I did not have fine cornmeal so I used what I had and even though it tasted great it was a little grainy;I think I needed to cook it a little longer. Is there something I can do to make it less grainy???
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Lori!
You are right you need to cook it longer, on low heat- add more liquid – a little at a time , to prevent it from burning. It will help make it less grainy. Enjoy!