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Cornmeal Porridge is a staple breakfast item in Jamaica.  I have been enjoying this porridge since childhood and I have never gotten bored.  The porridge is simple to make and can be enjoyed with bread, fried dumplings, fritters etc. or simply enjoy on its own. Try it nuh!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup cornmeal (refined or coarse).
• 2 ½ cups water.
• 1 tsp vanilla.
• ½ tsp nutmeg.
• ½ tsp cinnamon powder.
• 1 whole cinnamon leaf (optional).
• ½ tsp cooking oil (coconut, olive etc.).
• 2 cups milk (almond/condensed milk, etc.).
• Sugar to taste.
• A pinch of salt.

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to boil.
• Add the Cinnamon Leaf.
• Add Cooking oil.
• In a separate bowl, add the remaining water to the cornmeal to soften it.
• Add the moistened cornmeal to the boiling water. Keep stirring while you add the mixture.
• Lower flames and let cook for about 15-20 minutes.
• Add the remaining ingredients to spice things up:
  • Cinnamon powder
  • Nutmeg
  • Vanilla
• Let it continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes.
• Add milk and the sugar to taste.
• Turn off the flames and add salt to taste.
• Serve and Enjoy!

Notes:

You can add a bit more milk if the porridge becomes too thick and a bit more sugar to taste (if needed).  Remember, to try and use the moisten cornmeal method and stir periodically to ensure you have no lumps.  Also, fine/refined cornmeal is quicker to prepare and makes the porridge smoother, but coarse can be more filling, and take a little bit longer to cook. The choice is yours. You can enjoy your porridge with a sandwich, bread only, fried dumplings or other foods of your choice.

Here is another cornmeal dish you can try:

• Jamaican ‘Tun’ Cornmeal – A Nutritious Treat!

Ingredient Spotlight!

~ Cornmeal~

Cornmeal is made from the grinding of the corn kernels into a coarse powder.  Unlike some other wheat grains, it does not contain gluten and as such, is a great alternative for those on a gluten-free diet. Further, it is a great source of essential nutrients which makes it a powerhouse breakfast or meal for any time of the day.

Some of the nutrients in cornmeal include carbohydrates and dietary fibre which help to make it a filling meal.  It is said that one cup of cornmeal contains at least 9 grams of dietary fibre.   As such, it is friendly for the gut and will help with bowel movements.  Cornmeal also packed a good protein punch.  Other nutrients include – iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, thiamin (B1) and selenium.

What a way to start your day!

To good health!

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