How to Make Jamaican Rice Porridge with Coconut Milk (vegan)

Bowl of creamy Vegan Jamaican Rice Porridge with nutmeg and cinnamon leaves
For this version, of Jamaican traditional rice porridge I used Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk from Shoppers Fair. It costs a bit more than the regular Betty or Nestlé milk (about $500 JMD vs $300 JMD), but the flavour is incredible. Because it’s coconut-based, this traditional Jamaican staple is now perfect for my vegan friends and anyone avoiding dairy!

Quick Stats

  • Prep time: 5 minutes

  • Cook time: 20 minutes

  • Serves: 3 people

  • Dietary: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

  • 9-10 oz White Rice: Washed until the water runs clear.

  • 4 cups Water: For the initial boil.

  • 2-3 Cinnamon Leaves: To infuse the water with that authentic "bush" aroma.

  • ½ cup Coconut Milk: Freshly squeezed or canned for the base.

  • Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk: Added to taste (this is your sweetener and thickener).

  • A splash of Vanilla flavouring.

  • A pinch of Salt: To balance the sweetness.

  • Freshly Grated Nutmeg: For the signature topping.

Instructions

1. Infuse the Flavor

Put your water and cinnamon leaves in a pot and bring to a boil. Let them steep for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the water smells heavenly and has a light golden tint.

2. Add the Rice

Add your washed rice to the cinnamon water. Keep the heat on medium-low. Important: Stir every 5 minutes! Rice is starchy and will clump or stick to the bottom if you don't keep an eye on it.

3. Make it Creamy

When the rice is soft and has absorbed most of the water, pour in the coconut milk. This is where that beautiful "glossy" look starts to happen. Let the rice finish cooking in the milk until it’s nice and tender.

4. Sweeten the Pot

Remove the cinnamon leaves. Stir in your sweetened condensed coconut milk. Since this is thicker and richer than dairy milk, start with a little and add more until it’s exactly how you like it. Add your vanilla and salt.

5. The Finish

Turn off the stove when the porridge is "just right"—not too runny and not too thick. Dish it out and grate fresh nutmeg over the top.

FAQ

  • Is it expensive to make? The condensed coconut milk is a bit of a "splurge" at $500 JMD, but the taste is much richer than dairy versions.

  • Can I use ground cinnamon? If you can’t find leaves, use a cinnamon stick or a half-teaspoon of powder, but the leaves are the true Jamaican way!

  • Why is it glossy? That's the healthy fats from the coconut milk and the natural rice starch working together. It’s perfectly normal!

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 315 kcal

  • Fat: 10g (Healthy coconut fats!)

  • Carbs: 52g

  • Protein: 4g

Watch  video  to see the technique in action here 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Be respectful

Popular posts from this blog

My Jamaican-Style Eggnog with Brandy and White Rum

Image
  While eggnog isn’t a Christmas tradition in Jamaica, this hot eggnog recipe is perfect for December holiday drinks. Smooth, lightly spiced, and gently balanced with a splash of white rum or brandy, it’s rich, comforting, and easy to make at home. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy night in or as part of your holiday celebrations, this recipe hits all the right notes, creamy, flavourful, and satisfying. Jump to Recipe Recipe Card: Hot Eggnog Preparation Details Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10–15 minutes Total Time: 20–25 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients 4 cups whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup granulated sugar 6 large egg yolks (common fowl preferred for richer colour) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1–2 tablespoons white rum or brandy (optional) Instructions In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, and sugar until the sugar is dissolve...
Read more

How to Cook Authentic Jamaican Hard Food (Boiled Dumplings, Banana & plantain)

Image
 In Jamaica, no breakfast or dinner is complete without "Hard Food." This classic meal usually consists of a mix of Yellow Yam, Green Banana, and Boiled Dumplings. But, as many of us know, the situation at the market has drastically changed since the passing of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, 2025. Current Market Situation : Ground provisions have become very expensive. Yellow yam is now $500 per pound and white yam is $400 per pound. Even worse, many of these yams are hollow and filled with black spots, making them unappealing to buy. Sweet potatoes are also priced at $300 per pound, but most are rotten and full of worms. Because of this, I’ve turned to green bananas and plantains as my go-to substitute for yam in this recipe. Safety Considerations : It’s also essential to think about safety. Since the produce was likely covered in floodwater, I’m taking extra precautions when preparing these ingredients. This is a method I’ve developed for cooking safe, delicious hard f...
Read more

The Rising Cost of Sweet Pepper in Jamaica

Image
  The Growing Struggle with Sweet Pepper Prices Sweet pepper also known as bell pepper  may not be an essential in every Jamaican kitchen, but it certainly finds its way into many dishes we love. Whether it’s in stew chicken , stew pork , fry-up saltfish , or steam cabbage , sweet pepper adds that vibrant flavor and color that many of us crave. But these days, walking into a market and seeing the price of sweet pepper can leave you shocked. At $1000 per pound , it's become one of the more expensive items on the grocery list, and the situation has worsened because sweet pepper is now scarce . Even if you can afford to buy it, vendors are prioritizing their loyal customers , making it a challenge to get your hands on any at all. It’s a far cry from the days when sweet pepper was abundant and affordable . In this post, I’ll share my thoughts on why sweet pepper has become such a luxury item , and how the recent Hurricane Melissa has worsened the situation. The Price Surge: A ...
Read more