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Aşure

Serves 4 to 6 Dessert vegan, Desserts

Aşure

Aşure, also known as Noah's Pudding, is a beloved Turkish dessert traditionally prepared during the month of Muharram. This dish is deeply rooted in Turkish culture, embodying the spirit of sharing and community, as families and neighbors come together to enjoy this sweet treat. Passed down through generations, this version reflects how a Turkish family cook would bring it to life at home, with each ingredient added thoughtfully and seasoned by instinct.

The taste of Aşure is a harmonious blend of sweet and earthy flavors, featuring the comforting chew of wheat berries, the creamy texture of chickpeas and white beans, and the delightful sweetness of mixed dried fruits. The sugar weaves through the grains and legumes, creating a rounded sweetness that is perfectly complemented by the crunchy finish of nuts. It is a dish meant to be savored slowly, a reminder of the warmth and generosity that characterize Turkish hospitality.

Ingredients

  • 200 gwheat berries
  • 100 gchickpeas
  • 100 gwhite beans
  • 150 gsugar
  • dried fruitmixed
  • to finishnuts

Method

  1. Rinse 200 g of wheat berries under cold water until the water runs clear. Place them in a large pot and cover with about 1.5 liters of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the wheat berries are tender and have absorbed most of the water, about 45 minutes. The wheat should be soft but still hold its shape.
  2. While the wheat is cooking, soak 100 g of chickpeas and 100 g of white beans separately in hot water for at least 1 hour. Drain and rinse them well. In a separate pot, add the chickpeas and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until tender, about 30-40 minutes. Repeat the process with the white beans in another pot.
  3. Once the wheat berries, chickpeas, and white beans are cooked, drain any excess water and combine them in the large pot with the wheat berries. Add 150 g of sugar to the mixture and stir well. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Add your choice of dried fruits, such as raisins, apricots, or figs, to the pot. Stir them in gently and continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes. The dried fruits should plump up and integrate into the mixture, adding both sweetness and texture.
  5. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar to your liking. The aşure should have a balanced sweetness, not overly sugary, with a slightly thickened consistency.
  6. Once the aşure has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly before transferring it to serving bowls. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
  7. Finish each serving with a generous sprinkle of nuts, such as walnuts or pistachios, on top. Serve the aşure at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together. This dish is best enjoyed when shared with family and friends, embodying the spirit of community and sharing.
Cover of Authentic Turkish Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Turkish Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Turkish Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Turkish volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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