Authentic Caribbean Breakfast: Cassava Porridge Recipe

Growing up in the Caribbean, breakfast wasn't just a meal—it was a warm, comforting ritual that brought our family together every morning. This traditional Caribbean breakfast of creamy cassava porridge has been passed down through three generations in our family. The gentle bubbling of porridge on the stove, the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the kitchen, and the anticipation of that first creamy spoonful—these are the memories that connect us to our heritage. Caribbean breakfast recipes like this cassava porridge are naturally gluten-free, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're looking for a wholesome weekday breakfast or want to experience authentic island flavors, this recipe will transport you straight to a Caribbean morning.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Azure's Carib Cassava Porridge Mix (or substitute: ¾ cup Azure's Carib Cassava Flour)

• 3 cups water (divided)

• 1 cup coconut milk (or whole milk for creamier texture)

• ¼ cup condensed milk or sweetened condensed coconut milk

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Optional toppings: additional cinnamon, fresh fruit, toasted coconut flakes, raisins

Instructions

1. Prepare cassava mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Azure's Carib Cassava Porridge Mix (or cassava flour) with 1 cup of cold water until smooth and lump-free. Set aside.

2. Heat liquid base: In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 2 cups of water, coconut milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

3. Add cassava mixture: Once the liquid is boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Slowly pour the cassava mixture into the saucepan while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

4. Cook and stir: Continue whisking for 8-10 minutes as the porridge thickens. It should become creamy and smooth, coating the back of a spoon. The mixture will bubble and pop, so be careful.

5. Finish with flavor: Remove from heat and stir in the condensed milk and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.

6. Adjust consistency: If the porridge is too thick, add a splash of milk or water and stir. For thicker porridge, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

7. Serve warm: Ladle the hot porridge into bowls. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, fresh fruit, toasted coconut, or raisins as desired.

8. Enjoy immediately: Caribbean breakfast porridge is best enjoyed hot and fresh, though you can reheat leftovers gently on the stove with a little added milk.

Cooking Tips

• Prevent lumps: The key to silky-smooth Caribbean breakfast porridge is constant whisking, especially when first adding the cassava mixture. If lumps do form, use an immersion blender to smooth them out.

• Customize sweetness: Traditional Caribbean porridge tends to be fairly sweet, but you can adjust the sugar to your preference. Start with less and add more at the end if needed.

• Make it vegan: Use coconut milk and sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of dairy. The result is incredibly creamy and has a wonderful tropical flavor.

• Spice variations: Try adding a small piece of cinnamon stick while cooking for deeper flavor, or experiment with cardamom, allspice, or ginger for Caribbean-inspired variations.

• Meal prep friendly: Make a large batch on Sunday and refrigerate in individual containers. Reheat portions throughout the week with a splash of milk—perfect for busy mornings.

• Texture preference: Some prefer thick porridge that holds its shape, while others like it more pourable. Adjust the consistency with liquid to match your family's preference.

Cultural Context: Caribbean Breakfast Traditions

In Caribbean culture, breakfast is more than sustenance—it's connection. Families gather around the table, elders share stories, and traditional recipes are passed down through demonstration and taste. Porridge has always been the breakfast of choice for its warming qualities, nutritional value, and ability to sustain energy through a morning of work or school.

Different islands have their own porridge variations. In Jamaica, cornmeal porridge reigns supreme. In Trinidad and Tobago, you'll find cassava and sweet potato versions. In Barbados, coconut is often added for extra richness. Despite regional differences, the soul of Caribbean breakfast remains the same: simple ingredients transformed into comfort through patience, care, and love.

Nutritional Highlights

This Caribbean breakfast porridge made with Azure's Carib Cassava Porridge Mix is a nutritional powerhouse. Cassava is naturally gluten-free and provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy throughout your morning. The resistant starch in cassava supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Coconut milk adds healthy fats that help you feel satisfied and support brain function. When combined with the warming spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—you're also getting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Unlike sugary cereals or processed breakfast foods, this traditional porridge uses whole food ingredients your great-grandmother would recognize. It's suitable for gluten-free, grain-free, and paleo diets, making it inclusive for various dietary needs.

Start your day with a Caribbean breakfast that nourishes both body and soul.