Authentic Jamaican Porridge Delight

Name: Authentic Jamaican Porridge Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 4 cups coconut milk; 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: World Recipes

I absolutely adore starting my day with a warm bowl of Authentic Jamaican Porridge Delight. This creamy, hearty porridge is not only delicious but also has an amazing depth of flavor that comes from the combination of coconut milk, spices, and oats. It's such a comforting dish that fills you up while keeping your taste buds tantalized. Whether you're enjoying this at breakfast or as a snack, you've got to try the combination of nutmeg and cinnamon for an unforgettable experience. Trust me, it will quickly become a favorite in your home!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:34:29.403Z

While experimenting with different breakfast ideas, I stumbled upon the delightful tradition of Jamaican porridge. It's not just a meal; it's a warm hug in a bowl that reminds me of sunny mornings in the Caribbean. I tailored the recipe with ingredients I loved, like creamy coconut and a hint of vanilla, making every spoonful a moment to savor.

What's exciting about this recipe is the flexibility it offers. You can play around with different grains, like oats, cornmeal, or even quinoa. The result is always a satisfyingly creamy porridge that can be made to suit your flavor profile. Don't skip the spices; they elevate the dish to a completely new level!

        What You'll Love About This Recipe
        Creamy coconut flavor that evokes island vibes
Rich spices that create a warm, comforting feel
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings

      

Understanding Ingredients

The choice of rolled oats is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your porridge. Unlike instant oats, rolled oats retain some bite and create a creamier consistency when cooked. If you're in a pinch, steel-cut oats can be used, but you will need to adjust the cooking time to around 30-40 minutes, as they take longer to soften and absorb the liquid.

Coconut milk is another star of this recipe, lending a rich, creamy flavor that enhances the overall dish. For a lighter version, you can mix coconut milk with low-fat milk or almond milk. However, keep in mind that this may alter the flavor. Full-fat coconut milk will yield the most indulgent result, so I recommend sticking with it if you can.

Cooking Techniques

When you combine the ingredients in your saucepan, make sure to mix well to avoid clumping. This will ensure that all flavors meld beautifully as it cooks. As the mixture heats up, keep a close eye on it. You want to bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. If you let it boil too vigorously, you risk the porridge sticking to the bottom of the pan, which can create a scorched flavor.

Stirring the porridge occasionally is key to achieving that luxurious creaminess. By stirring, you're preventing the oats from settling and sticking to the bottom. Aim for a simmering state where small bubbles break the surface; this typically takes about 5 minutes on medium heat after initially bringing it to a boil. Once you see the porridge thickening and the oats have softened, you know you're almost there.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Authentic Jamaican Porridge Delight:

For the Porridge

1 cup rolled oats
4 cups coconut milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

These simple ingredients come together to create a filling and flavorful porridge.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delightful porridge:

Combine Ingredients

In a saucepan, combine the rolled oats, coconut milk, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt.

Cook the Porridge

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the oats are soft and the porridge is creamy.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the porridge warm, drizzling with extra coconut milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Enjoy this warm bowl of Jamaican goodness!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize your porridge with additional toppings like sliced bananas, nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful presentation, consider serving the porridge in colorful bowls topped with additional coconut milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You could even add slices of banana, mango, or a handful of toasted nuts for added texture and flavor. This not only enhances the aesthetic but also boosts the nutritional profile of your breakfast or snack.

If you want to make this dish even more filling, serving it with a side of fried plantains can make it a heartier meal. The sweetness of the plantains complements the spices in the porridge wonderfully. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings like shredded coconut or a drizzle of honey, which will elevate the dish to a new level.

Storage and Reheating Tips

You can store leftover porridge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to reheat, simply add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen the texture, as the porridge will thicken significantly after refrigeration. Heat it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

If you’d like to make a larger batch for meal prep, you can easily double the ingredients. Just extend the cooking time a bit to ensure everything is cooked through, keeping an eye on the consistency. If you find the porridge is thickening too much while cooling, you can always add a bit more liquid to adjust it before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?

Yes, you can use any milk of your choice, but it will change the flavor and texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I make this porridge vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly since it uses coconut milk and plant-based ingredients.

→ Is this porridge gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free oats, this porridge is gluten-free.