Ashure

Ashure, also known as Noah's Pudding, is a traditional Turkish dessert that holds a significant place in the country's culinary culture. This sweet dish is often associated with the story of Noah's Ark and is traditionally prepared and shared during the Islamic month of Muharram, particularly on the 10th day, known as Ashura. The dish is also popular in other Middle Eastern and Balkan countries, each with its own variation of the recipe.

Ashure

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

1 hr 45 mins

Additional Time:

1 day

Total Time:

1 day 1 hr 55 mins

Servings:

12

Ingredients

2 cups fine bulgur
½ cup dry garbanzo beans
½ cup dry white beans
½ cup raisins
15 cups water
3 cups white sugar
¼ cup dried apricots
¼ cup orange peel, chopped
5 whole cloves
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons chopped pistachio nuts
2 tablespoons dried currants
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Step 1

To make the pudding: Place bulgur, garbanzo beans, white beans, and raisins in 4 separate bowls and add water to cover. Let stand overnight.

Step 2

The next day, combine garbanzo beans and white beans in a saucepan with water to cover. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until beans are tender, 1 to 1 ½ hours. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Drain bulgur and transfer to a large saucepan. Add 15 cups water (3 quarts plus 3 cups) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes, skimming and discarding any foam that appears.

Step 4

When bulgur has thickened, stir in sugar and bring mixture to a boil. Add cooked beans to bulgur mixture. Stir in drained raisins, apricots, orange peel, and cloves. Reduce heat and simmer until pudding thickens and fruit is tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 5

Pour pudding into individual serving bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds, walnuts, pistachios, currants, and cinnamon. Allow pudding to cool, then serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

390

Calories

3g

Fat

88g

Carbs

8g

Protein

Complement

Ashure is a rich, hearty dessert made with a variety of ingredients such as grains, dried fruits, nuts, and sugar. The combination of flavors and textures creates a unique and satisfying treat that is often enjoyed during religious and cultural celebrations. The preparation of Ashure is often a communal activity, with families and friends coming together to cook and share the dish. It is considered a symbol of unity and solidarity, as it is often distributed to neighbors and those in need. The tradition of making and sharing Ashure has been passed down through generations, making it a cherished part of Turkish and Middle Eastern culinary heritage.