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Healthy Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge Recipe – How to Make & Calories


Jamaicans are huge fans of porridge – Ask anyone on the island and they will all tell you how they have eaten cornmeal porridge since they were kids, and that it has always been a firm breakfast favorite. In fact, there are plenty of children that will flat out reject other porridge, such as peanut or banana porridge, due to their love for cornmeal porridge.

Older people commonly refer to cornmeal porridge as “cog” or “pop”, and it is the most common breakfast porridge served in Jamaican households.

Not only is cornmeal porridge delicious and filling, it is also really quick and easy to make. There are a few rules you need to follow or you will end up with lumps in your porridge. So, before you start, you need to know two things:

  1. Always add the cornmeal to COLD milk
  2. Stir, stir, and keep stirring

These two easy rules guarantee that you will have smooth and creamy porridge every single time.

Some people prefer to use water when they make cornmeal porridge, but traditionally it is made with milk. To sweeten the porridge, you can use either sugar or condensed milk, and this is based on your preference.

Benefits and Calorie Count

Cornmeal porridge also has health benefits and is a type of cleanser. The porridge is high in fiber, so it passes through the digestive system very quickly. It’s also low in carbohydrates so if you or someone you know has diabetes you can consider giving them a bowl.

But the real upside of this porridge is its taste. So let’s take a look at the recipe for some delicious tasting Jamaican cornmeal porridge. The calorie count is also relatively low just 176 calories in 2 cups. You can see full details about the calories here.

Ingredients for Cornmeal Porridge

Serves: 2

  • ½ cup cornmeal
  • 2 ½ cups COLD milk or water
  • 2 sticks cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ground
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon pimento berries
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons evaporated milk

How to Make Cornmeal Porridge

  1. Pour the COLD milk (or water) into a saucepan over medium-high heat
  2. Stir in the cornmeal, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pimento
  3. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken
  4. Stir in the sugar, vanilla, and evaporated milk
  5. Lower the heat and keep stirring until the porridge has thickened and is creamy
  6. Remove the cinnamon sticks and the pimento berries and pour the porridge into bowls

Recipe Video

Here’s a video that walks you through making jamaican cornmeal porridge.

Michael Rainford

Hi, I'm Michael Rainford! Born and raised in Jamaica, I began Jamaica Hotel Review in 2017 to share my local insights on our best hotels, resorts, eateries, and attractions. Every article is a page from my island journey. Seeking an authentic Jamaican touch? Come explore with me and craft your unforgettable island story. 🌴

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