Turkish
⭐ Highly Rated
1hmedium
TurkishDessert
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsAşure, also known as Noah's Pudding, is a beloved ceremonial dessert with deep roots in Anatolian culture. This nourishing sweet combines wheat berries simmered until tender with chickpeas, white beans, dried fruits including apricots, figs, and raisins, plus crunchy walnuts and aromatic rose water. Legend tells that Noah made this pudding on the ark using the remaining provisions after the flood. Today, families prepare large batches to share with neighbors and friends, symbolizing abundance, gratitude, and community. The natural sweetness from dried fruits and honey creates a complex flavor profile enhanced by hints of cinnamon and orange zest. Each spoonful offers varied textures from creamy wheat to tender legumes and chewy fruits, finished with pomegranate seeds for a jewel-like presentation. This ancient recipe continues to bring people together across generations.
Instructions
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Rinse wheat berries thoroughly and soak overnight in cold water. Drain before using.
In a large stockpot, combine soaked wheat berries with 8 cups water. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 60 minutes until tender.
While wheat cooks, prepare chickpeas and white beans if using dried: soak separately for 4 hours, then cook in water until soft, about 45 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Chop dried apricots and figs into small pieces. Measure out raisins and set all dried fruits aside.
Once wheat berries are tender, add cooked chickpeas, white beans, and sugar to the pot. Stir well and continue simmering for 15 minutes.
Add chopped apricots, figs, raisins, and cinnamon. Stir gently and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Remove from heat and stir in rose water and vanilla extract. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
Pour into individual serving bowls or one large serving dish. Allow to cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely chilled and set.
Before serving, garnish each portion with chopped walnuts, pomegranate seeds, cinnamon, and dried fruit pieces.
Serve cold as a refreshing and symbolic dessert.
Aşure
5.0 (70)
A delightful Noah's Pudding made with wheat berries, legumes, dried fruits, and nuts, traditionally prepared to celebrate unity and sharing during special occasions.
medium
2h
12 servings
Ingredients
0 of 9 checked
Base
- 1 1/2 cups barley, soaked overnight
- 1/2 cups chickpeas, cooked and drained
Sweetener
- 6 tablespoons honey
Fruits
- 12 pieces apricot, dried and chopped
- 8 pieces fig, dried and chopped
Spices
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
Flavoring
- 1 teaspoons vanilla-extract
- 1 pieces orange, zest only (optional)
Garnish
- 1 pieces pomegranate, seeds only
Chef Tips
expert advice•For authentic flavor, use Turkish rose water which has a delicate floral essence.
•You can substitute pearl barley for wheat berries if preferred.
•The consistency should be similar to thick porridge; add more water during cooking if it becomes too thick.
•Some families add small amounts of orange zest or lemon juice for brightness.
•Traditionally, Aşure is prepared in large quantities and shared with exactly 40 neighbors or friends.
•You can customize the nuts and dried fruits based on availability—dates, currants, or dried cherries work beautifully.
•For a richer version, some cooks add a tablespoon of butter near the end.
•The dessert tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
•Make ahead for gatherings and special events.
