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BLANK » Recipe Index » Caribbean Dishes

Jamaican Sweet Potato Porridge Recipe

October 16, 2023 by Charla 12 Comments

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Learn how to make this Jamaican style sweet potato porridge. A starch enriched bowl of porridge that is energising, delicious, nutritious, using only a handful of ingredients and most importantly it is vegan friendly.

Two bowls of porridge with fruit on top.

Sweet potato is a ground provision that is typically boiled, mashed or steamed. You will often see it served on the with other root vegetables i.e dasheen, pumpkin, yam, cassava and so fourth.

However, did you know this root vegetable makes a great breakfast porridge? Yes, that's right!

You can use a number of Caribbean fruit and/or vegetables to make porridge with plantain and green banana being the most popular choice.

Sweet potatoes make a very tasty porridge simply because they are a naturally sweet vegetable.

Using the red skinned potatoes and the commercial ones with the orange flesh makes this breakfast recipe much more Caribbean

I always make this particular porridge whenever I have a surplus of sweet potatoes.

Furthermore, living in the diaspora means Caribbean fruit and vegetables are extremely expensive and at times, a commodity.

It has never crossed my mind to throw away any ground provisions.

Plus I was raised to believe that food is a precious commodity, even if it meant carry over a meal over a number of days.

As with any Caribbean porridge, this one is packed with starch means is perfect to carry you through until lunch time because it will give you a HUGE energy boost.

Close up of the porridge

Reasons to make this recipe

  • It is a Caribbean themed recipe
  • Contains a moderate amount of carbs/energising breakfast bowl
  • Suitable for most dietary requirements
  • A great way to use sweet potatoes
  • A great alternative to oatmeal
Ingredients you need to make this sweet potato porridge

Ingredients you need

  • Sweet potatoes - Red skinned sweet potatoes with the off white flesh are the ones that you need for this recipe, they are naturally sweet but not as sweet as their orange flesh sweet potatoes.
  • Coconut milk - For a rich and creamy consistency I recommend using this specific milk for this recipe.
  • Water - Additional liquid, if needed.
  • Ground oats (not pictured) - to thicken the porridge (if required!).
  • Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger - Warming spices pair very well with this porridge.
  • Vanilla (not pictured), pink salt - taste and flavour enhancement.
  • Condensed coconut milk - to sweeten the porridge.

The steps

Steps 1-4 pureeing the sweet potato
  • Combine the chopped sweet potato with half of the coconut milk to a high speed blender.
  • Blitz to make a smooth paste/puree (it should be on the thick side, but add a splash of water if needed).
  • Pour the liquid into a medium sized saucepan on medium heat.
  • Add 1 cup more of coconut milk.
  • Bring the saucepan to a rolling boil then reduce to low heat.
Steps 5-8 Adding ground oats and spices
  • Allow to simmer for a further 15-20 minutes, stirring throughout, if you want your porridge to be thicker, either stir in the ground oats or mix 1tbsp tapioca with 2 tablespoon water and stir that in.
  • After the given time, add the vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and pink salt.
  • Finally sweeten with condensed milk to taste (I only used a very small amount).
  • Serve accordingly.

Notes and tips

  • Don't leave the porridge unattended, you will need to stir it throughout the given time so it doesn't burn, stick or become lumpy.
  • It is normal for the colour of the porridge to darken as it cools down.
  • Any leftover porridge should be refrigerated when completely cool. You can leave it in a bowl wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
  • You don't want the porridge to be too thin, you are aiming for a puree/thick consistency.
  • Feel free to use another plant based milk such as cashew, brazil nut milk etc...
  • Have some coconut milk/water on standby in case you need any more.
  • Oats are naturally gluten free however, if you are sensitive to trace then you will need certified gluten free oats.
  • This is the recipe link you will need for the Angled shot of the porridge

    More Caribbean porridge recipes to try

    • Sago Porridge
    • Jamaican Sweet Potato Porridge
    • Jamaican Peanut Porridge
    • Roasted Almond Porridge
    • Hominy Corn Porridge
    • Jamaican Oats Porridge
    • Jamaican Rice Porridge
    • Green Banana Porridge
    • Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge
    • Haitian Akasan
    • Yellow Plantain Porridge

    **Please comment below and star rate if you have tried my recipes. Support my website by leaving a donation through Buying Me a Coffee. A site to show your appreciation of my hardwork over the years.  Let's be friends and engage on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram I also like to pin on Pinterest, where you can find more amazing recipes.**

    Fruit on top of the porridge

    Jamaican Sweet Potato Porridge Recipe

    Learn how to make this Jamaican style yam porridge. A starch enriched bowl of porridge that is energising, delicious, nutritious, using only a handful of ingredients and most importantly it is vegan friendly.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakast
    Cuisine: Jamaican
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 300kcal
    Author: Charla

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb sweet potato (450g) chopped
    • 14 oz full fat coconut milk (400ml)
    • ¼ cup ground oats (20g)(or 1tbsp tapioca with 2 tablespoon water)
    • 1 teaspoon nutmeg (2g)
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (2g)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla (4g)
    • ¼ teaspoon pink salt (1.5g)
    • water, if needed

    Instructions

    • Combine the chopped sweet potato with half of the coconut milk to a high speed blender.
    • Blitz to make a smooth paste/puree (it should be on the thick side, but add a splash of water if needed).
    • Pour the liquid into a medium sized saucepan on medium heat.
    • Add 1 cup more of coconut milk.
    • Bring the saucepan to a rolling boil then reduce to low heat.
    • Allow to simmer for a further 15-20 minutes, stirring throughout, if you want your porridge to be thicker, either stir in the ground oats or mix 1tbsp tapioca with 2 tablespoon water and stir that in.
    • After the given time, add the vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and pink salt.
    • Finally sweeten with condensed milk to taste (I only used a very small amount).
    • Serve accordingly.

    Notes

    • Don't leave the porridge unattended, you will need to stir it throughout the given time so it doesn't burn, stick or become lumpy.
    • It is normal for the colour of the porridge to darken as it cools down.
    • Any leftover porridge should be refrigerated when completely cool. You can leave it in a bowl wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
    • You don't want the porridge to be too thin, you are aiming for a puree/thick consistency.
    • Feel free to use another plant based milk such as cashew, brazil nut milk etc...
    • Have some coconut milk/water on standby in case you need any more.
    • Oats are naturally gluten free however, if you are sensitive to trace then you will need certified gluten free oats.
    • This is the recipe link you will need for the Coconut Condensed Milk.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 221mg | Potassium: 606mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 16090IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @ThatGirlCooksHealthy or tag #ThatGirlCooksHealthy!

More Caribbean Dishes

  • Caribbean peanut punch
    Caribbean Peanut Punch
  • A single bowl of conch salad
    Bahamian Conch Salad Recipe
  • A bowl of different chopped fruit
    Tropical Fruit Salad
  • 2 glasses of mauby with ice
    Homemade Mauby Drink (Caribbean Bark Beverage)

About Charla

I'm Charla. Caribbean foodie & Certified Health Coach. Welcome to the heaven of gluten and dairy free recipes as well as modernised healthier alternatives to some of your favourite Caribbean recipes.

Comments

  1. Debs says

    March 01, 2024 at 11:25 am

    5 stars
    I wasn't sure what to think of this porridge at first, but tried it and really enjoyed it.

    Reply
    • Charla says

      March 10, 2024 at 3:48 pm

      Aww thanks Debs.

      Reply
  2. Gianne says

    October 31, 2023 at 2:41 pm

    5 stars
    The combination of sweet potatoes, coconut milk, vanilla, and spices creates a rich and creamy porridge that is bursting with delicious flavors. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly morning!

    Reply
    • Charla says

      October 31, 2023 at 3:20 pm

      Thanks Gianne.

      Reply
  3. Ann says

    October 31, 2023 at 1:04 pm

    5 stars
    I love trying new recipes. Looking forward to this one. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Charla says

      October 31, 2023 at 2:03 pm

      You are welcome Ann

      Reply
  4. Carrie Robinson says

    October 31, 2023 at 12:57 pm

    5 stars
    I love just about anything sweet potato! This is such a great idea for a comforting breakfast. 🙂

    Reply
    • Charla says

      October 31, 2023 at 2:03 pm

      Yes, it truly is!

      Reply
  5. Lana says

    October 31, 2023 at 12:22 pm

    5 stars
    Love the sweet potato flavor in this. Phenomenal recipe, will be making again for sure.

    Reply
    • Charla says

      October 31, 2023 at 12:38 pm

      Thanks Lana

      Reply
  6. Alison Corey says

    October 31, 2023 at 9:31 am

    Wow, this Jamaican style sweet potato porridge recipe is an absolute game-changer! I was initially drawn in by the promise of a hearty, energizing meal, and I was not disappointed. The combination of sweet potatoes in a creamy, vegan-friendly porridge is pure genius.

    Reply
    • Charla says

      October 31, 2023 at 9:52 am

      Thanks for the feedback Alison.

      Reply
5 from 5 votes

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a picture of Charla

Hey, I'm Charla!

I'm an avid Caribbean foodie. Welcome to the haven of gluten and dairy free recipes as well as modernised healthier alternatives to some of your favourite Caribbean recipes.

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