Aşure (Noah's Pudding)

About This Recipe

Aşure is one of the world's most ancient desserts and Turkey's most communal dish. According to tradition, it was first made by Noah after the Ark landed on Mount Ararat, using all remaining provisions — wheat, beans, fruits, and nuts — cooked together in a sweet broth. This is still exactly how it is made: wheat berries, chickpeas, white beans, dried apricots, figs, raisins, orange peel, rose water, and pomegranate seeds are simmered together for hours until the wheat has burst and released its starch into a thick, creamy pudding. Aşure is made in enormous batches during the month of Muharrem and shared with neighbours, friends, and strangers alike — the tradition of giving it away is as important as the dish itself.

Ingredients

Serves 12

• 200 gwhole wheat berries(soaked overnight)
• 100 gchickpeas(soaked overnight)
• 100 gdried white beans(soaked overnight)
• 200 gsugar
• 100 gdried apricots(chopped)
• 80 graisins
• 80 gdried figs(chopped)
• 1orange(zest and juice)
• 2 tbsprose water
• 1 tbsporange blossom water
• Pomegranate seeds, crushed walnuts, pine nutsto garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the grains and beans

   Drain soaked wheat berries, chickpeas, and beans separately. Cook each in a large pot of water until tender — wheat takes about 1 hour, beans about 45 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 litre of wheat cooking water.

2. 2

   Combine and sweeten

   Place all cooked grains and beans in a very large pot. Add reserved cooking water and 500 ml fresh water. Bring to a boil. Add sugar, dried fruits, and orange zest. Simmer 30–40 minutes until the mixture is thick and creamy, stirring regularly.

   The wheat starch naturally thickens the liquid — patience and regular stirring are essential.

3. 3

   Perfume and cool

   Remove from heat. Stir in rose water and orange blossom water. Pour into bowls or serving dishes.

4. 4

   Garnish and serve

   Once cooled, garnish each bowl with pomegranate seeds, crushed walnuts, pine nuts, and dried fruit. Serve at room temperature.

Variations

• •

  Add dried cranberries or cherries for a fruitier version.

• •

  Include rice for extra creaminess.

• •

  Garnish with coconut flakes for a modern touch.

Storage

Refrigerates for 5 days. Thin with a little water when serving if too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions