Georgian Elarji (Cornmeal and Cheese Porridge)

About This Recipe

Georgian Elarji is a real, traditional Georgian dish, known as Cornmeal and Cheese Porridge. A stretchy, cheese-laden cornmeal porridge from Georgia's Samegrelo region, stirred until it forms long, elastic cheese strings.\n\nElarji hails from Samegrelo in western Georgia, closely related to Italian polenta but distinguished by the generous amount of Sulguni cheese melted directly into the cornmeal, creating its signature stretchy, cheese-pull texture.\n\nThe result is a dish worth making on its own merits: it rewards patience with the technique and delivers real, specific flavor rooted in Georgian home cooking, not a generic stand-in for a search term.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• 300 gfine cornmeal
• 1.2 Lwater
• 1 tspfine sea salt
• 500 gSulguni cheese or a mix of mozzarella and feta(shredded)

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil the water

   Bring water and salt to a boil in a heavy pot.

2. 2

   Add cornmeal

   Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

3. 3

   Cook the porridge

   Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 25 to 30 minutes until it becomes thick and smooth, similar to a firm polenta.

4. 4

   Add the cheese

   Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese in batches, mixing vigorously until it melts completely and the mixture becomes stretchy and elastic.

5. 5

   Test the texture

   The finished elarji should form long, stretchy strings when a spoon is lifted from the pot.

6. 6

   Serve

   Serve immediately while hot, since it firms up and loses its stretchy quality as it cools.

Variations

• •

  Some households add a bit of butter for extra richness.

• •

  Serve alongside grilled meat or a simple salad for a complete meal.

• •

  A version with less cheese makes a milder, more traditional cornmeal porridge if a less rich result is preferred.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or stock to loosen the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions