Jamaican cornmeal porridge
Jamaican cornmeal porridge is a warm, comforting breakfast staple made from finely ground yellow cornmeal cooked with coconut milk, spices, and sweeteners. It is a beloved morning dish across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, often enjoyed plain or with a variety of toppings.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This porridge is a high-carbohydrate dish, providing a good source of energy from its cornmeal base. It offers key nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and magnesium, with a typical serving containing roughly 250-350 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Magnesium | 60 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 2 mg |
| Folate | 40 mcg |
| Zinc | 1 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a nostalgic comfort food often associated with childhood and home cooking. Nutritionally, the use of coconut milk adds healthy fats and a creamy texture, distinguishing it from water-based porridges.
