Dessert

Pelamushi with Wild Berries (Georgian Grape Pudding)

Original name: Pelamushi with Wild Berries

A bowl of dark purple pelamushi pudding topped with fresh wild berries and a sprig of mint.
Prep
10 mins
Cook
20 mins
Servings
6
GeorgianEasyDessertSnackVegetarianGluten FreeDairy Free

About this dish

Pelamushi is a traditional Georgian dessert made from grape must and cornmeal, thickened to a silky pudding. This version celebrates the wild berry harvest, swirling in juicy blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a bright, tart contrast to the sweet grape base.

It's a comforting yet elegant treat, often served at feasts and gatherings.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

Grape must

liquid

1 liter

Imperial measurement: 4¼ cups

Coarse cornmeal

grain

100 g

Imperial measurement: ¾ cup

Blackberries

fruit

150 g

Imperial measurement: 1 cup

Blueberries

fruit

100 g

Imperial measurement: ⅔ cup

Raspberries

fruit

100 g

Imperial measurement: ¾ cup

Sugar

other

100 g

Imperial measurement: ½ cup

Honey

liquid

2 tbsp

Water

liquid

200 ml

Imperial measurement: ¾ cup + 2 tbsp

Method

1

Combine must with water

5 minutes

In a large saucepan, combine the grape must with 200 ml (¾ cup) water and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

2

Add cornmeal slowly

10 minutes

Gradually whisk in the cornmeal in a thin stream to avoid lumps. Keep stirring with a wooden spoon or whisk until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes.

3

Cook until thick and smooth

15 minutes

Continue cooking over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture pulls away from the sides and is very thick, about 8 to 10 more minutes. The pelamushi should be glossy and smooth with no graininess.

4

Beat until silky

3 minutes

After removing from heat, beat vigorously the pudding (traditionally with a wooden spoon) until glossy and elastic, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step makes it extra silky.

5

Pour into a serving dish

2 minutes

Pour the hot pelamushi into a glass serving dish or four individual bowls. Smooth the surface with a spatula.

6

Make berry compote

5 minutes

In a separate saucepan, gently warm the berries with sugar, honey, and a dash of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the berries release their juices, crushing slightly with a spoon.

7

Top with berries and chill

30 minutes

Spoon the warm berry mixture over the hot pelamushi, leaving a border around the edge. Let it cool to room temperature then refrigerate for a few hours, or serve slightly warm for a soft pudding feel.

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon
  • Serving bowl

Nutrition facts

360 kcal
Calories
4 g
Protein
74 g
Carbohydrates
1 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
20 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • Serve warm or cold: I love it slightly warm right out of the pan, but in the summer we let it set in the fridge. Always stir religiously: Don't even think about walking away while making pelamushi – it can seize on you faster than a mother-in-law saying 'no' to the wedding dress. Be graceful with sweetness: Grape must is sweet, so taste as you go, and only add the honey if your fruit is on the tart side.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve pelamushi in small bowls, scattered with a few extra fresh berries and a mint leaf for color. A little thing in a big bowl makes a lovely 'visual hug'. Pair with a and a spoonful of thick yogurt – more than welcome to cool.

Rate this recipe

No ratings yet. Be the first to rate it.

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.