Main Course

Gomi with Adjika: Georgian Cornmeal Porridge with Spicy Red Pepper Paste

Original name: Gomi with Adjika

A rustic bowl of gomi with adjika, showing creamy cornmeal porridge swirled with red pepper paste, garnished with fresh herbs and served with cubes of white cheese.
Prep
5 mins
Cook
20 mins
Servings
4
GeorgianEasyLunchDinnerVegetarianGluten Free

About this dish

Gomi is a comforting Georgian cornmeal porridge, loved especially in the western region of Samegrelo. While it is often served plain with cheese, this version folds in adjika, the fiery red pepper paste that wakes up every Georgian table with its bold, aromatic heat.

The result is a humble but deeply satisfying dish that hugs you from the inside out—just like a good friend should!

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

Cornmeal

grain

200 g

Imperial measurement: 1 cup

Water

liquid

1 liter

Imperial measurement: 4 cups

Salt

seasoning

1 teaspoon

Adjika

other

2 tablespoons

Cheese

dairy

100 g

Imperial measurement: 3.5 oz

Cilantro

herb

2 tablespoons

Method

1

Boil water

5 minutes

In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the water and salt to a rolling boil over high heat.

2

Add cornmeal

3 minutes

Slowly whisk in the cornmeal in a thin stream to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and continue whisking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.

3

Simmer and stir

15 minutes

Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking and to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

4

Incorporate adjika

1 minute

Stir in the adjika until fully blended. Taste and adjust salt if needed. If the porridge seems too thick, add a little hot water.

5

Serve

2 minutes

Spoon the hot gomi into bowls. Top with crumbled cheese and fresh cilantro, if using. Serve immediately.

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Whisk

Nutrition facts

360 kcal
Calories
7 g
Protein
37 g
Carbohydrates
7 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
480 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • Achieve a lump-free porridge by whisking the cornmeal in a slow, steady stream and stirring constantly.
  • Adjust the amount of adjika to your heat preference—start with 1 tablespoon if you're sensitive to spice.
  • For a creamier texture, substitute half the water with whole milk or a plant-based alternative.
  • Leftover gomi can be pressed into a pan and fried until crispy the next day—a delicious Georgian breakfast!

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with a side of fresh tomatoes and cucumber salad.
  • Pair with a glass of cold matsoni (Georgian yogurt drink).

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Nino Beridze

Recipe by

Nino Beridze

Specialises in Georgian cuisine

Nino makes khachapuri that oozes cheese like a volcano. She says the secret is loving the dough like a child.

Describe yourself in three words: Loving, loud, huggy.