Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge

4 steps · 27 min total

1. 01

   Boil Liquids

   Combine 2½ cups water and the coconut milk in a 4-quart heavy-bottomed pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. 02

   Prepare Cornmeal Slurry

   While the liquids heat, whisk together the 1 cup cornmeal and 1½ cups water in a large mixing cup until completely smooth; you don't want any lumps here.
3. 03

   Whisk in Cornmeal

   As soon as the pot boils, slowly whisk in the cornmeal mixture. Continue whisking for about 1 minute to keep it smooth and prevent lumps from forming. Reduce the heat to low, then cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
4. 04

   Simmer and Finish

   Let the porridge simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Around the 5-minute mark before it's done, stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Once it's thickened to your liking, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Serve warm.