Jamaican Oatmeal Porridge
Jamaican Oatmeal Porridge is one of the easiest breakfast porridges to make. This recipe uses only a few ingredients and can be ready in 10 minutes or less!
Over the last few weeks, I have been craving porridge for breakfast, and I don’t know why.
Maybe I am homesick.
See, I recently moved from Jamaica to the Cayman Islands, and ever since, I have been adjusting to life on my own.
I’m not alone, thankfully, as I have my hubby, D, with me to help with this new experience.
So, to help with my homesickness, I’m sharing this easy homemade oats porridge recipe, as it has brought me so much happiness with the flavors and aroma.
Oats vs Oatmeal
The use of oats in our everyday lives ranges far and wide.
Coming from the Caribbean, I’m used to using oats to make porridge or cookies.
As I’m writing this post, I didn’t know that there is a difference between oats and oatmeal.
The term oats describes the cereal grains grown from their seeds.
But, when processed (dehusked, steamed, and flattened), this is called oatmeal or rolled oats.
The processing of oats can vary to bring forth different categories of oatmeal.
These can include:
- Steel-cuts oats
- Old-fashioned oats
- Instant oats
- Quick oats
For this recipe, we’re using old-fashioned rolled oats.
However, feel free to check out more about each type of oats and see what works best for you.
Ingredients To Use
One of my favorite things about this breakfast recipe is how easy and low-budget it is.
You can make this recipe right now with the ingredients in your kitchen.
- Rolled oats – I am using rolled oats from the brand Foska. It’s my go-to brand for anything oats.
- Milk – coconut milk + condensed milk
- Aromatics/Flavors – vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg
- Salt
- Water
In the Caribbean, we like to enjoy our porridge with some torn bread or crushed crackers.
I’m not sure why, but I guess it makes for a more hearty meal with these toppings.
So make sure you add that to your list.
How To Make Jamaican Oatmeal Porridge
Making this recipe is super easy and requires little effort to get started.
Steps:
- Combine oats and water in a bowl, then set aside. Allow oats to soak up the water.
- In a medium saucepan, add coconut milk and salt over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in nutmeg and cinnamon powder. Then, add soaked oats into the saucepan. Whisk consistently to prevent lumps.
- Sweeten your porridge with vanilla extract, sugar, and condensed milk. Remove from heat and pour into a bowl. Top with your favorite toppings.
- Serve warm.
Notes: Replace the condensed milk with dairy-free milk for a more vegan-friendly meal.
If you love a creamy porridge, try my Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Like my mom, I don’t go all in with a breakfast like this, as I enjoy my porridge simply with crushed crackers.
Other toppings to try:
- Fresh berries
- Peanut butter or any nut butter
- Drizzle of coconut milk
- Sprinkle of rolled oats
- Cinnamon powder
- Sliced bananas
Tips For Making Oatmeal Porridge
Here are some tips to ensure you get the perfect oatmeal porridge every time:
- Don’t be alarmed if your porridge becomes lumpy when cooled. Simply add milk or water when reheating. Stir until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Top with sliced bananas, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a more hearty meal.
- Substitute condensed milk with dairy-free milk for a vegan version.
- If feeding babies (6 months) or toddlers, make the porridge as smooth as possible with no sugar added and use low-fat or nut milk instead.
- If you want to enjoy this recipe like a Jamaican, top your porridge with crushed crackers or torn bread.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
If you’re still not convinced to make this delicious breakfast, then check out these reasons why I love it:
- Hearty Meal: if you’re looking for a heavy breakfast idea, this recipe is for you.
- Budget-Friendly: this is the perfect low-budget recipe that saves money and tastes great.
- Quick and Easy: enjoy a quick breakfast with only a few steps.
- Family-Friendly: this recipe is perfect for all ages.
Storage Tips
I’m uncertain of the exact time frame to store porridge, but you could store it in the refrigerator for maybe a day or two.
It’s too good to last more than a few hours, haha.
Keep safe in an airtight container.
Other Porridge Recipes:
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~ TheShyFoodBlogger
Jamaican Oatmeal Porridge
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup coconut milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup condensed milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Combine oats and water in a bowl, then set aside. Allow oats to soak up the water.
- In a medium saucepan, add coconut milk and salt over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in nutmeg and cinnamon powder. Then, add soaked oats into the saucepan. Whisk consistently to prevent lumps.
- Sweeten your porridge with vanilla extract, sugar, and condensed milk. Remove from heat and pour into a bowl. Top with your favorite toppings.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Notes for Making Oatmeal Porridge
- Porridge may get lumpy during cooling. Add milk/water to your porridge and stir to form its original texture.
- Top with sliced bananas, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Jamaicans often enjoy their porridge with crushed crackers or torn bread on top.
