Ashure: A Delicious and Nutritious Turkish Pudding Recipe

Ashure, also known as Noah’s Pudding, is a traditional Turkish dessert with a rich history and cultural significance. It’s a sweet, grain-based pudding typically made with a variety of ingredients, including dried fruits, nuts, and legumes. This makes it not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

This recipe is a wonderful way to experience Turkish cuisine and create a dish that’s both satisfying and meaningful. It’s often made in large batches to share with family, friends, and neighbors, symbolizing community and abundance. While the recipe may seem long, it’s actually quite straightforward, and the result is well worth the effort. The key is to plan ahead and soak the grains and beans overnight. Let’s dive into the steps!

The Story Behind Ashure

The story of Ashure is deeply rooted in religious traditions. According to legend, after Noah’s Ark landed on Mount Ararat, the crew prepared a special pudding using the remaining ingredients they had on board. This pudding, a mix of grains, dried fruits, and nuts, became known as Ashure, symbolizing survival, gratitude, and unity. Today, Ashure is often prepared during the month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, but it can be enjoyed year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Ashure Recipe

* **Nutritious and Filling:** Ashure is packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, making it a healthy and satisfying dessert.
* **Naturally Sweetened:** The sweetness comes primarily from dried fruits, so you can control the amount of added sugar.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
* **Traditional and Meaningful:** Making Ashure is a beautiful way to connect with Turkish culture and history.
* **Great for Sharing:** Ashure is traditionally made in large quantities to share with others, making it perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients required to make a delicious and authentic Ashure:

* **Grains:**
* 1 cup pearl barley (aşurelik buğday)
* 1/2 cup white rice (preferably short-grain)

* **Legumes:**
* 1 cup dried white beans (navy beans)
* 1 cup dried chickpeas

* **Dried Fruits:**
* 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
* 1 cup dried figs, chopped
* 1/2 cup raisins (dark or golden)
* 1/2 cup dried currants

* **Nuts:**
* 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
* 1/4 cup hazelnuts, coarsely chopped (optional)
* 1/4 cup almonds, slivered (for garnish)
* 1/4 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped (for garnish)
* 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional, for garnish)

* **Other Ingredients:**
* 2 cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
* 1 orange, zest only
* 1 lemon, zest only
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* A pinch of salt
* Water
* Pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
* Dried coconut flakes (for garnish, optional)
* Rosewater (optional, for flavor)

Equipment Needed

* Large pot (at least 8-quart capacity)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Wooden spoon or large spoon for stirring
* Serving bowls or cups

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Ashure

Here’s a detailed guide to making Ashure, broken down into easy-to-follow steps:

**Day 1: Soaking the Grains and Legumes**

1. **Rinse the Barley and Rice:** Place the pearl barley and rice in separate bowls. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
2. **Soak the Barley:** Cover the rinsed pearl barley with plenty of cold water. Let it soak overnight (at least 8 hours). This will soften the barley and reduce cooking time.
3. **Soak the Rice:** Similarly, cover the rinsed rice with cold water and let it soak overnight.
4. **Rinse and Soak the Beans and Chickpeas:** In separate bowls, rinse the dried white beans and chickpeas under cold water. Then, cover them with plenty of cold water and soak overnight (at least 8 hours).

**Day 2: Cooking the Ashure**

1. **Cook the Barley:** Drain the soaked pearl barley and transfer it to the large pot. Add about 8 cups of fresh water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the barley is tender but still slightly chewy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. **Cook the Beans and Chickpeas:** While the barley is cooking, drain the soaked white beans and chickpeas. Place them in separate pots. Cover each with fresh water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer until tender. This may take about 1 to 1.5 hours for the beans and slightly longer for the chickpeas. Check them periodically and add more water if needed to prevent them from drying out. They should be very soft.
3. **Add the Rice:** Once the barley is cooked, drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot with the barley. Stir well to combine. Add about 2 cups of additional water if the mixture seems too thick. Continue to simmer over low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
4. **Add the Cooked Beans and Chickpeas:** Drain the cooked white beans and chickpeas. Add them to the pot with the barley and rice mixture. Stir gently to combine. The mixture will become even thicker at this point.
5. **Add the Dried Fruits:** Add the chopped dried apricots, chopped dried figs, raisins, and currants to the pot. Stir well to distribute the dried fruits evenly throughout the mixture.
6. **Add the Sugar:** Add the granulated sugar to the pot. Start with 2 cups and adjust to taste. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste the mixture and add more sugar if desired, keeping in mind that the sweetness will intensify as the pudding cools.
7. **Add the Zest and Spices:** Add the orange zest, lemon zest, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves to the pot. Also, add a pinch of salt. Stir well to incorporate the flavors. The citrus zest adds a bright and aromatic note to the Ashure, while the spices provide warmth and depth of flavor.
8. **Simmer and Thicken:** Continue to simmer the Ashure over low heat for another 30-45 minutes, stirring frequently. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pudding to thicken to the desired consistency. The Ashure should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
9. **Adjust Consistency (if needed):** If the Ashure becomes too thick during simmering, add a little bit of hot water (about 1/2 cup at a time) to thin it out. Stir well after each addition to ensure the water is fully incorporated.
10. **Add Nuts (Optional):** If you’re using walnuts and hazelnuts, stir them into the Ashure during the last 15 minutes of simmering. This allows the nuts to soften slightly and infuse their flavor into the pudding. You can also add some of the nuts as garnish later.
11. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the pot from the heat and let the Ashure cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to develop further and the pudding to set up a bit more.

**Serving and Garnishing**

1. **Portion into Bowls:** Ladle the Ashure into individual serving bowls or cups. The number of servings will depend on the size of your bowls, but this recipe typically yields around 10-12 servings.
2. **Garnish:** While the Ashure is still warm, garnish each bowl with slivered almonds, chopped pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and dried coconut flakes (if using). The garnishes add visual appeal, textural contrast, and extra flavor to the Ashure.
3. **Optional Rosewater:** If you’re using rosewater, sprinkle a few drops over each serving of Ashure just before serving. Rosewater adds a delicate floral aroma and flavor that complements the other ingredients.
4. **Serve Warm or Cold:** Ashure can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference. Many people enjoy it at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Tips for Success

* **Soaking is Key:** Don’t skip the soaking step for the grains and legumes. It significantly reduces cooking time and makes them more digestible.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** The amount of sugar in this recipe is a guideline. Taste the Ashure as it cooks and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
* **Stir Frequently:** Stir the Ashure frequently during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This is especially important as the pudding thickens.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using good quality dried fruits and nuts will enhance the flavor of your Ashure.
* **Get Creative with Garnishes:** Feel free to experiment with different garnishes to create your own unique presentation.
* **Make Ahead:** Ashure can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will meld together even more over time.
* **Add Other Ingredients:** Some variations of Ashure include dried orange peel, sesame seeds, or even a touch of molasses. Feel free to experiment and add ingredients you enjoy.
* **Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot:** A heavy-bottomed pot will help prevent the Ashure from scorching.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Gluten-Free:** To make Ashure gluten-free, substitute the pearl barley with quinoa or brown rice.
* **Vegan:** This recipe is naturally vegan, as it doesn’t contain any animal products.
* **Sugar-Free:** To reduce the sugar content, use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. You can also use more dried fruits to naturally sweeten the pudding.
* **Nut Allergies:** If you have nut allergies, omit the nuts or substitute them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
* **Different Dried Fruits:** Feel free to use other dried fruits like dates, cranberries, or cherries.
* **Different Legumes:** You can also use other types of beans, such as kidney beans or pinto beans.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger.

Serving Suggestions

* **As a Dessert:** Ashure is traditionally served as a dessert, especially during the month of Muharram.
* **For Breakfast:** You can also enjoy Ashure as a nutritious and filling breakfast.
* **As a Snack:** Ashure makes a great snack any time of day.
* **With Tea or Coffee:** Ashure pairs well with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee.
* **As a Gift:** Ashure is a thoughtful and delicious gift to share with friends and neighbors.

How to Store Ashure

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Ashure in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal, you can freeze Ashure. However, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, portion the Ashure into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 8-10g
* Fat: 5-7g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g
* Fiber: 8-10g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

Conclusion

Ashure is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of community, gratitude, and abundance. This traditional Turkish pudding is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s a wonderful way to experience Turkish culture. With a little planning and patience, you can easily make this delicious and meaningful dish at home. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the process of creating a truly special treat. Afiyet olsun! (Enjoy your meal!)

FAQ About Ashure

* **What does Ashure taste like?**
Ashure has a sweet, slightly spiced flavor with a pleasant chewiness from the grains and legumes. The dried fruits add a concentrated sweetness and fruity notes, while the nuts provide a crunchy texture.

* **Why is Ashure called Noah’s Pudding?**
The name “Noah’s Pudding” comes from the legend that after Noah’s Ark landed, the crew combined the remaining ingredients they had on board to create a nourishing pudding. This pudding is believed to be the origin of Ashure.

* **Is Ashure healthy?**
Yes, Ashure is a relatively healthy dessert. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins from the grains, legumes, dried fruits, and nuts. It’s also naturally sweetened with dried fruits, so you can control the amount of added sugar.

* **Can I make Ashure without nuts?**
Yes, you can easily make Ashure without nuts. Simply omit the nuts from the recipe or substitute them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

* **Can I use canned beans and chickpeas?**
While it’s best to use dried beans and chickpeas that have been soaked and cooked, you can use canned beans and chickpeas in a pinch. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the Ashure.

* **How long does Ashure last?**
Ashure will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

* **Can I freeze Ashure?**
Yes, you can freeze Ashure, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Portion the Ashure into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

* **What are some other names for Ashure?**
Ashure is also known as Aşure, Noah’s Ark Pudding, and Turkish Pudding.

* **When is Ashure typically made?**
Ashure is traditionally made during the month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, but it can be enjoyed year-round.

* **Is Ashure vegan?**
Yes, Ashure is naturally vegan, as it doesn’t contain any animal products.

* **Can I make Ashure in a slow cooker?**
Yes, you can make Ashure in a slow cooker. Reduce the amount of water slightly and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the grains and legumes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

* **What is the significance of sharing Ashure?**
Sharing Ashure is a tradition that symbolizes community, unity, and abundance. It’s a way to share blessings and express gratitude.

Enjoy making and sharing your own delicious Ashure!