Jamaican Oats Porridge Recipe: Creamy, Vegan & Heart-Healthy

A spoonful of thick, creamy Jamaican oats porridge made with Foska oats
The ultimate creamy Jamaican oats porridge, thick, smooth, and infused with the natural aroma of fresh cinnamon leaves and rich coconut milk.

Oats porridge is what Americans call oatmeal, though the preparation in a Jamaican kitchen is totally different! While it might not be as famous as cornmeal or peanut porridge, in our house, Foska oats are a permanent cupboard essential. Nothing starts a morning better than a warm, smooth bowl of oats.

I make mine with fresh cinnamon leaves and rich coconut milk for a finish that is truly nice.  Because this recipe uses coconut milk and coconut condensed milk, it is 100% Dairy-Free and Vegan-friendly, making it perfect for anyone looking for a heart-healthy, plant-based breakfast. Doctors always encourage us to eat more oats to help with high cholesterol, and with this creamy Jamaican twist, you won’t even feel like you’re eating health food

  • Prep time: 2 minutes

  • Cook time: 15 minutes

  • Servings: 2

  • Key Ingredients: Foska Oats, Coconut Milk, Cinnamon Leaves

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Foska "Quick-Cooking" rolled oats

  • 3 Cinnamon leaves

  • 2 cups Water

  • 1 cup Coconut milk

  • 1 tsp Vanilla flavoring

  • 1/2 tsp Nutmeg (freshly grated is best!)

  • A dash of Salt

  • Sweetened Condensed milk (to taste)

Pro-Tip: Using coconut condensed milk isn't just for the vegans—it actually makes the porridge taste even richer than the dairy version. If you want that authentic island flavour, the coconut-on-coconut blend is the way to go!

Instructions

  1. Infuse the Flavor: Pour 2 cups of water into a pot. Wash the cinnamon leaves and add them to the water. Bring to a boil and let them boil for about 2 minutes to infuse the cinnamon flavor into the water.

  2. Cook the Oats: Stir in the oats and turn the heat down to medium-low. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure the porridge stays smooth and doesn't lumpy.

  3. Add the Creaminess: Pour in the coconut milk and add the salt. Stir well and let the coconut milk cook into the oats for about 4 minutes.

  4. Seasoning: Stir in the freshly grated nutmeg and the vanilla flavoring.

  5. Sweeten and Serve: Add condensed milk to suit your taste. Stir until completely smooth and serve hot.

NutrientAmount Per Serving
Calories320 kcal
Total Fat12g
Saturated Fat9g (from Coconut Milk)
Cholesterol5mg
Sodium150mg
Total Carbohydrates45g
Dietary Fiber5g
Sugars18g (varies by condensed milk)
Protein8g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to make Jamaican porridge oats? To make authentic Jamaican oats porridge, you must first infuse your boiling water with cinnamon leaves. Use "quick-cooking" rolled oats (like Foska) and simmer them on medium-low heat with water and coconut milk. Constant stirring is the secret to making it smooth and creamy before seasoning it with nutmeg, vanilla, and condensed milk.

What is Jamaican porridge made of? Jamaican porridge can be made from various bases like cornmeal, oats, green banana, or peanuts. The signature Jamaican flavor comes from the "spices": cinnamon (leaves or sticks), freshly grated nutmeg, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and a creamy element like coconut milk or cow's milk, all sweetened with condensed milk.

How do I make oats porridge? Basic oats porridge is made by boiling oats in water or milk until the grains soften and create a thick, creamy consistency. In Jamaica, we take it a step further by using coconut milk and traditional spices to turn a simple bowl of oats into a rich, satisfying meal.

Is it okay to eat oat porridge every day? Yes! Eating oats daily is highly recommended by doctors, especially for heart health. Oats are rich in fiber (Beta-glucan), which helps lower bad cholesterol. It is a complex carbohydrate that provides steady energy throughout the day, making it an ideal daily breakfast.

Can this Jamaican oats porridge be made 100% vegan? Yes, it certainly can! To make this recipe 100% vegan and dairy-free, simply ensure you are using coconut milk as your base and coconut condensed milk as your sweetener. This "coconut-on-coconut" method actually enhances the traditional island flavor while keeping the porridge completely plant-based and heart-healthy.




 

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