Ashure Noah’s Pudding

Ashure is a traditional Turkish dessert with deep historical and cultural significance. Often referred to as “Noah’s Pudding,” it is believed to have originated from the story of Noah’s Ark, where the remaining food supplies were combined into a hearty dish to celebrate survival.

This dish is made with a variety of grains, legumes, dried fruits, and nuts, resulting in a wholesome, nutritious, and naturally sweet pudding. It is commonly prepared during the Islamic month of Muharram and shared with neighbors, friends, and family as a symbol of peace, sharing, and unity.

Beyond its historical and religious significance, Ashure is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. It balances the nutty richness of grains, the chewiness of dried fruits, and the sweetness of natural sugars, all tied together with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves. Its comforting, porridge-like consistency and warm spices make it an excellent dessert for colder months, while its health benefits make it a guilt-free treat year-round.

Origins

Ashure has its roots in Middle Eastern and Anatolian cuisines, with deep ties to religious and cultural traditions. According to legend, when Noah’s Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat after the Great Flood, the people onboard gathered whatever food supplies remained and cooked them together, creating the first Ashure. This story highlights the essence of the dish—making use of available ingredients and sharing food with others.

Over centuries, Ashure evolved into a beloved dessert across Turkey, Greece, Armenia, and other Middle Eastern countries. It is prepared especially during the first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram, and distributed among neighbors as an act of goodwill. The ingredients and flavors may vary from region to region, but the core concept of using grains, legumes, dried fruits, and nuts remains the same.

This unique combination of flavors and textures ensures that Ashure remains a beloved dessert enjoyed across generations and cultures. Whether served warm or cold, its depth of taste and complexity keep people coming back for more.

Serving suggestions for Ashure

With a Sprinkle of Cinnamon and Nuts – A classic way to serve Ashure is with a generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon, which enhances its warmth and aroma. Top it with chopped walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a beautiful contrast in texture and added nuttiness.

Garnished with Pomegranate Seeds – Pomegranate seeds not only add a pop of vibrant red color but also a refreshing, slightly tart contrast to the natural sweetness of the pudding. This variation is especially popular in Turkish households.

Drizzled with Honey or Rosewater – For an extra layer of sweetness and fragrance, a drizzle of honey or rosewater can elevate the dish. The floral notes of rosewater enhance the traditional flavors, giving Ashure an exotic touch.

Variants

Classic Turkish Ashure – This version includes wheat, chickpeas, beans, dried fruits, sugar, and nuts. It’s typically flavored with cinnamon and cloves and served with a variety of toppings like pomegranate seeds and walnuts.

Greek-Style Ashure (Varvara) – A similar dish made with whole wheat and nuts, often with more emphasis on dried figs and raisins. Some versions use honey instead of sugar for a naturally sweetened dessert.

Vegan Ashure – Traditional Ashure is naturally vegan since it doesn’t require dairy or animal-based ingredients. However, some modern versions may add milk or butter. To ensure a vegan-friendly dish, simply use plant-based sweeteners like maple syrup or agave instead of sugar.

What do you need to make Ashure?

• Whole Wheat Berries: The base ingredient, giving Ashure its creamy, thick texture and nutty, hearty flavor. Soaking them overnight ensures they cook evenly.
• Chickpeas & White Beans: These add protein and a slight chewiness to balance the soft, pudding-like consistency of the dish.
• Dried Fruits (Figs, Apricots, Raisins): Natural sweeteners that provide a depth of flavor and a pleasant chewiness, making the dish naturally delicious.
• Nuts (Walnuts, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pistachios): They add a rich, buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softer elements of the pudding.
• Sugar or Natural Sweetener: Used to enhance the sweetness, though the dried fruits already contribute a good amount of natural sugar.
• Cinnamon & Cloves: Essential for their warm, aromatic qualities, giving Ashure its signature comforting flavor.
• Pomegranate Seeds: Often used as a garnish to add color, freshness, and a slight tangy contrast.

Ashure step by step

Prepare the Wheat and Legumes:

Soak the wheat berries overnight. Drain and rinse them, then boil in a large pot with fresh water until soft, about 1.5 hours. Separately, cook the chickpeas and white beans if they are not already pre-cooked.

Cook the Base:

Add the cooked chickpeas and beans to the pot with the wheat. Stir well and simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to combine.

Add Dried Fruits and Spices:

Mix in the dried figs, apricots, and raisins. Stir continuously and add sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Let it simmer until the fruits are plump and the mixture thickens.

Garnish and Serve:

Once thickened, ladle into bowls and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped nuts and pomegranate seeds before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What grains are typically used in Ashure?

Whole wheat berries are most commonly used, giving the dish its hearty texture and nutty flavor. Soaking them overnight ensures proper cooking.

→ Is Ashure vegan?

Yes, traditional Ashure is naturally vegan as it contains no dairy or animal-based ingredients. Just ensure sweeteners used are plant-based.

→ When is Ashure traditionally prepared?

It is traditionally made during the Islamic month of Muharram and shared with friends and neighbors as a gesture of goodwill and unity.

→ How should Ashure be served?

It can be served warm or chilled, topped with nuts, pomegranate seeds, and optionally drizzled with rosewater or honey for added flavor.

→ What makes Ashure naturally sweet?

The sweetness comes mainly from dried fruits like figs, apricots, and raisins. A small amount of sugar or natural syrup may be added as well.

→ What spices are essential for Ashure?

Cinnamon and cloves are key to providing the warm, aromatic flavor that defines this comforting dessert.