This deliciously rich and creamy cornmeal porridge has been my favourite for as long as I could remember—since early childhood. Now, it’s my kids’ most-requested breakfast of the week! Kissed by the flavours of warm spices, every spoonful is comforting and nostalgic. It’s truly a Caribbean experience in a bowl.

I've been having this cornmeal porridge for as long as I can remember. The aroma that would fill the kitchen when my mom made this for breakfast was completely distinctive and unforgettable.

While we can easily make cornmeal porridge using corn flour—and it still turns out delicious—I’ve been loving the texture and flavour that cornmeal itself brings. The texture is simply amazing, and the taste, with all those warm spices, is incredibly nostalgic for me.

Now, my kids enjoy this porridge too and even request it multiple times a week! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do!

CORNMEAL PORRIDGE

🥣 CORNMEAL PORRIDGE

A warm, spiced Caribbean breakfast classic

Serves: 3–4
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15–20 mins

✨ Ingredients:

• 3 cups water (plus 2 cups additional water)

• 3/4 cup cornmeal

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 star anise

• 1 cardamom pod (crushed)

• 2 allspice berries

• 2 cups milk

• Sweetened condensed milk, to taste

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 3 tsp grated nutmeg

🍽️ Instructions:

1. In a medium pot, add 3 cups of water, cinnamon, bay leaves, star anise, and allspice. Bring to a simmer.

2. Slowly pour in the cornmeal while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

3. Reduce heat and cook the cornmeal until it begins to thicken.

4. Add 2 cups water and milk. Whisk well, then bring to a gentle boil.

5. Cook over low heat for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.

6. Sweeten with condensed milk to your liking.

7. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and grated nutmeg.

🥄 Samantha's Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy hot with toppings of your choice. Growing up, I loved mine with a handful of raisins, and even now I sprinkle powdered milk over the top. My kids enjoy theirs with frozen berries, fresh fruit, oatmeal crackers, or even Corn Flakes—and they can’t get enough!