How To Make Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge|THE RAINA’S KITCHEN

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll learn how to make delicious Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge, a comforting and creamy dish that's perfect for breakfast or a snack. This step-by-step guide will help you create a smooth and flavorful porridge using simple ingredients.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients before you start cooking. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups fine grain cornmeal (avoid coarse cornmeal)
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 can coconut milk
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)
• 3 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick or cinnamon leaves
• 2 tablespoons sugar in the raw
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon rosewater and almond (optional)

Step 2: Boil the Water

• In a pot, add 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
• While the water is boiling, prepare the cornmeal mixture.

Step 3: Mix the Cornmeal

• In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of fine grain cornmeal with 2 cups of water.
• Whisk the mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps. If desired, you can add a little flour or oatmeal to help with the texture.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

• Once the water is boiling, slowly pour in the cornmeal mixture while continuously whisking to prevent lumps.
• Add the coconut milk, and continue to stir. Cook for about 10 minutes, keeping an eye on the pot to prevent burning.

Step 5: Add Flavorings

• When the porridge starts to thicken, add the following:
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• Stir well to incorporate the flavors.

Step 6: Sweeten the Porridge

• Add about 1 tablespoon of sugar in the raw (adjust to your taste).
• Pour in the evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until everything is well mixed and the porridge reaches your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Your cornmeal porridge is now ready. Serve it hot, optionally with bread or crackers on the side.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend any leftovers the next day.

Step 8: Reheat Leftovers (Optional)

• If there are any lumps after refrigerating, blend the porridge in a blender or NutriBullet for a smooth consistency.
• Heat the blended porridge in the microwave until warm.

Conclusion

Making Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge is simple and rewarding. With a few basic ingredients and some careful preparation, you can enjoy this comforting dish. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors and sweetness to suit your taste. Enjoy your delicious porridge, and feel free to share your variations in the comments!