Georgian Grape Pudding

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) fresh grapes, preferably seedless 1 kg (2.2 lbs) fresh grapes, preferably seedless
• 200 g (1 cup) sugar 200 g (1 cup) sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Chopped nuts or raisins for garnish (optional) Chopped nuts or raisins for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 40g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the grapes thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves.
2. 2.
   Place the grapes in a large saucepan and crush them gently with a potato masher or the back of a spoon to release their juices.
3. 3.
   Cook the grapes over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cornstarch together until well combined.
5. 5.
   Slowly add the sugar-cornstarch mixture to the cooked grapes, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
6. 6.
   Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and reaches a pudding-like consistency.
7. 7.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract.
8. 8.
   Allow the pudding to cool slightly before transferring it to individual serving bowls or a large serving dish.
9. 9.
   Refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours, or until it is fully set.
10. 10.
    Garnish with chopped nuts or raisins, if desired, before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Grapes — Choose ripe and sweet grapes for the best flavor. Seedless grapes are preferred for convenience, but you can use grapes with seeds if desired. Make sure to wash them thoroughly before using.
• Cornstarch — Mix the cornstarch with sugar before adding it to the grapes to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense grape flavor, you can strain the cooked grape mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids before adding the sugar-cornstarch mixture.
• Adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the grapes. Taste the mixture before adding the sugar to ensure the desired level of sweetness.
• Serve the Georgian Grape Pudding chilled for the best taste and texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Georgian Grape Pudding as a refreshing dessert after a hearty Georgian meal. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the pudding with a few whole grapes or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serve it in elegant dessert bowls or glasses for an extra touch of sophistication.