Traditional Ashure: The Turkish Noah's Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup barley
  • 1/2 cup chickpeas
  • 1/2 cup dried beans
  • 1/2 cup rice
  • 1 cup wheat
  • 1 cup dried fruits (such as figs, apricots, raisins)
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1 tablespoon rose water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios)
  • 10 cups water

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the barley, chickpeas, dried beans, and wheat in water overnight.
  2. Drain the soaked ingredients and place them in a large pot. Add the rice and water.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the grains and legumes are tender.
  4. While the mixture is simmering, chop the dried fruits and nuts.
  5. Add the chopped dried fruits, sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and vanilla extract to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
  6. Continue to simmer the mixture for another 30 minutes, or until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the rose water.
  8. Allow the Ashure to cool, then stir in the pomegranate seeds and chopped nuts.
  9. Serve the Ashure at room temperature, or refrigerate it and serve it cold.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of grains such as quinoa, bulgur, or millet instead of barley and rice.
  • Replace the chickpeas and dried beans with lentils for a different flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with different combinations of dried fruits like dates, prunes, or cranberries.
  • Add a splash of orange blossom water or almond extract instead of rose water.
  • Add spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice to enhance the flavor.
  • Swap the sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup for a healthier alternative.
  • Include grated coconut or coconut milk to add a tropical twist.
  • Add a handful of chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a chocolatey variation.
  • Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an extra touch of freshness.
  • For a vegan option, replace the sugar with a plant-based sweetener like agave or coconut sugar.

Recipe overview

Ashure, also known as Noah's Pudding, is a traditional Turkish dessert that is rich in history and flavors. It is made with a hearty mix of grains, legumes, dried fruits, and nuts, sweetened with sugar and spiced with cinnamon and cloves. The recipe results in a thick, pudding-like dish that can be served at room temperature or chilled. It's a delightfully sweet and satisfying dessert that packs a nutritional punch with its mix of healthy ingredients. This recipe will guide you through the process of preparing Ashure at home, from soaking the grains and legumes to simmering the ingredients and adding the final touches. Enjoy the process and the delicious end result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of grains or legumes? Yes, you can customize the recipe by using different types of grains or legumes according to your preference. However, keep in mind that the cooking times may vary.
  2. Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits? While dried fruits are traditional in Ashure, you can certainly experiment with fresh fruits if you prefer. Just keep in mind that fresh fruits may add more moisture to the dish.
  3. Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar? Yes, you can substitute sugar with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Adjust the quantity according to your taste.
  4. Can I add other spices to enhance the flavor? Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to add extra flavor to your Ashure.
  5. Can I make Ashure in advance? Yes, Ashure can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes better when it has time to sit and the flavors meld together.
  6. Can I serve Ashure warm? Yes, traditionally Ashure is served at room temperature or chilled. However, you can serve it warm if you prefer.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - You will need a large pot to cook the Ashure mixture.
  • Knife and cutting board - These tools will be helpful for chopping the dried fruits and nuts.
  • Serving bowls - Choose bowls to serve the Ashure in and present it beautifully.
  • Spoons - Provide spoons for serving and enjoying the Ashure.
  • Refrigerator - If you prefer to serve the Ashure cold, a refrigerator will be useful for chilling it.

Origin stories

Ashure, also known as Noah's Pudding, is a dessert rich in history and symbolism originating from Turkey. The story goes that when Noah's Ark finally made landfall after the flood, food supplies were running low. To celebrate their survival, Noah made a pudding, known today as Ashure, from all the remaining food items on the Ark. This included grains, fruits, and nuts which are the main ingredients in the traditional recipe. The dish encapsulates the spirit of gratitude and communal harmony as it is typically prepared in large quantities and shared among neighbors and friends, irrespective of their faith. The sharing of Ashure is a beautiful tradition that brings communities together, upholding the values of friendship, love, and unity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.