Aşure

Nutrition · per serving

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare the dried fruit: roughly chop the dried apricots and dried figs into raisin-sized pieces so they distribute evenly through the pudding. If your raisins are very dry, rinse them briefly. Finely grate the orange zest.

   50 g dried apricots40 g dried figs40 g raisins1 tsp orange zest
2. 2

   Place the cooked wheat berries and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid looks lightly cloudy and slightly thickened; this starchy base gives aşure its characteristic body.

   200 g cooked wheat berries700 ml water
3. 3

   Add the cooked chickpeas, cooked white beans, chopped dried apricots, dried figs, and raisins. Simmer for 12-15 minutes over low to medium-low heat, stirring every few minutes so the sugars from the fruit do not catch on the bottom. The fruits should plump and soften fully.

   100 g cooked chickpeas100 g cooked white beans50 g dried apricots40 g dried figs40 g raisins
4. 4

   Stir in the granulated sugar and orange zest, then cook for 5-7 minutes more until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes the texture of a loose porridge. Aşure thickens as it stands, so stop while it still looks slightly fluid.

   90 g granulated sugar1 tsp orange zest
5. 5

   Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the rose water. Taste and adjust with 1-2 tablespoons more water if needed for a spoonable consistency. Divide into 2 bowls.

   1 tsp rose water
6. 6

   Let the aşure rest for 10 minutes so the grains and legumes settle and the pudding thickens slightly. Meanwhile, roughly chop the walnuts.

   30 g walnuts
7. 7

   Top each bowl with walnuts, pomegranate seeds, and a light dusting of ground cinnamon. Serve warm or at room temperature.

   30 g walnuts40 g pomegranate seeds1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Origin & History

Aşure is one of Turkey’s most symbolic desserts, traditionally prepared in large quantities during the month of Muharram and shared with neighbors, friends, and family. Often associated with the story of Noah’s Ark, it is said to have been made from the last remaining stores of grains, legumes, and dried fruits after the flood. Its spirit is one of abundance, community, and generosity.