Oats are one of the chief health foods in Jamaica, and oat porridge is a staple for most Jamaicans. It is a particularly important part of the diet for male and female athletes. The dish is also popular with children who need a hearty breakfast to get them through the school day. The following simple recipe will bring some authentic Jamaican flavor to the breakfast table. An excellent source of fiber, oat porridge is an easy yet filling dish to start the day. Oats are also added to Jamaican beverages as it is believed they act as an aphrodisiac that restores energy, especially for men.

Jamaican Oat Porridge Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup instant oats
• 2 cups whole milk – other milks like soy or coconut may also be used
• ½ cup coconut milk
• ½ water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ mix spice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Sugar to taste
• Preparation

Direction:

1. Combine the whole milk, coconut milk and water in a saucepan.
2. Add vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, mix spice, salt
3. Cook over medium heat until milk begins to boil
4. Add oats and stir constantly until the mixture begins to thicken
5. Reduce heat to low, continue stirring
6. Cook about 3 minutes while mixing in sugar to sweeten to taste
7. Sprinkle with nutmeg
8. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes. Serve hot.
9. Remove from heat. Serve hot.