Pelamushi – Georgian Grape Pudding with Walnuts

Ingredients:

Preparation mode:

👉 Pelamushi (ფელამუში) is a simple Georgian dessert made from just grape juice and flour, cooked until thick, then cooled and set like a soft jelly. It is made every autumn during rtveli, the grape harvest, when every village has fresh grape must – the same thick juice that is used to make churchkhela.

It has a deep purple colour, a fresh grape flavour and a smooth, silky texture. Topped with crunchy walnuts, it is naturally vegan and much lighter than most desserts.

How to Make Pelamushi

1. Make a smooth paste. Pour about 250 ml of the cold grape juice into a bowl, add the flour and whisk until completely smooth, with no lumps.
2. Heat the juice. Pour the rest of the juice into a heavy pot, add the sugar (if using) and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Thicken. Slowly pour the flour paste into the hot juice while whisking all the time.
4. Cook and stir. Cook on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture is very thick and glossy and leaves a trail on the bottom of the pot. Add the cinnamon at the end.
5. Set. Pour into a wet plate, shallow dish or small bowls. Smooth the top and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Chill. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, until firm enough to cut.
7. Serve. Cut into diamonds or squares (or turn the bowls out onto a plate) and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Tips for the Best Pelamushi

• Use dark grapes. Saperavi, Isabella (Adesa) or Concord-style grapes give the best colour and flavour.
• Keep stirring. The mixture thickens fast and can burn on the bottom of the pot.
• Taste the juice first. Fresh grape must is sweet enough on its own; store-bought juice may need a little sugar.
• Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes for extra flavour.

Pelamushi FAQ

What is the difference between pelamushi and churchkhela?
Both are made from thickened grape juice. Pelamushi is eaten as a soft pudding, while for churchkhela, strings of walnuts are dipped into the same mixture and dried for weeks.

Is pelamushi vegan?
Yes. It contains only grape juice, flour, walnuts and sometimes sugar.

How long does it keep?
Up to 4 days in the fridge, covered.

👉 More Georgian sweets: Churchkhela and Gozinaki. See the whole feast in Georgian Supra: the feast explained.

Footnotes:

Gluten-free: use fine cornmeal or corn starch instead of wheat flour (use about 100 g corn starch).

Serving idea: serve chilled with a cup of black tea after a Georgian dinner.