Traditional Recipe for Lemyshka: How to Prepare Ukrainian Corn Porridge

Lemyshka is an ancient Ukrainian dish made from corn flour, water, or milk. It is popular in many regions of Ukraine and is distinguished by its simplicity of preparation and the availability of ingredients.

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The base of classic lemyshka is finely ground corn flour, which gives the dish a pleasant sweetish hue and a characteristic yellow color. The quality of the flour directly affects the texture and taste of the finished porridge.

To prepare lemyshka, you will need:

• 1 cup of corn flour
• 3–4 cups of water or milk
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2–3 tablespoons of sugar (to taste)
• 30–50 grams of butter

The amount of liquid can be adjusted depending on the desired thickness of the dish: for a creamier porridge, add more liquid; for a thicker one, use less.

Features of Preparing Lemyshka with Water

To prepare lemyshka with water, first bring the water to a boil and add salt. It is recommended to sift the corn flour to avoid lumps. Gradually add the flour while constantly stirring to keep the porridge smooth.

Cook the mixture for 15–20 minutes over medium heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. The porridge is considered ready when it becomes smooth and easily separates from the sides of the pot. At the final stage, add sugar and butter, mix well, and then cover the dish for a few minutes to let it steep.

How to Prepare Lemyshka with Milk

The milk version of lemyshka features a delicate, creamy texture. Heat the milk to a temperature of 60–70°C, add salt and sugar to taste. Gradually sprinkle in the corn flour while continuously stirring with a whisk or wooden spoon to avoid lumps.

Cook the porridge over low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring regularly. Be careful not to let the milk burn; it’s best to stay close to the stove while cooking.

Traditional lemyshka can be diversified by adding dried fruits, nuts, or fresh berries. These can be added 5 minutes before it’s done or served as a topping.

For a sweet version, the dish is often served with honey, jam, syrup, or fresh fruits. Unsweetened variants are prepared with the addition of herbs, cheese, or cream. Hot lemyshka is served immediately, as it thickens upon cooling; if necessary, the dish can be diluted with warm milk or water.

Lemyshka is beneficial for children and people with digestive issues, as corn flour is rich in B vitamins, fiber, and is gluten-free.