Ashure Recipe – Turkey Special
Ashure (Noah’s Pudding) is an ancient Turkish dessert rooted in a story of survival and sharing. This sweet porridge melds mixed grains and fruits, with combinations like wheat, legumes, dried apricots, raisins, nuts, and citrus zest simmered into a thick, comforting pudding. Often made in large batches to share, it has become a symbol of unity and generosity across communities, especially during special events and festivals.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Perform Time24 hr
- Total Time24 hr 25 min
For the Pudding:
- 2 cups fine bulgur
- ½ cup dried garbanzo beans
- ½ cup dried white beans
- ½ cup raisins
- 15 cups water
- 3 cups white sugar
- ¼ cup dried apricots
- ¼ cup chopped orange peel
- 5 whole cloves
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachio nuts
- 2 tablespoons dried currants
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Ashure Recipe:
To prepare the pudding: Place bulgur, garbanzo beans, white beans, and raisins in separate bowls and cover with water. Let soak overnight.
The following day, combine garbanzo beans and white beans in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until beans are tender, approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours. Drain and set aside.
Drain soaked bulgur and transfer to a large saucepan. Add 15 cups of water (3 quarts plus 3 cups) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until bulgur is tender, about 15 minutes, skimming off any foam that forms.
Once the bulgur has thickened, stir in sugar and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the cooked beans to the bulgur mixture. Stir in the drained raisins, apricots, chopped orange peel, and cloves. Reduce heat and simmer until the pudding thickens and the fruits are tender, approximately 15 minutes.
Divide the pudding into individual serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with toasted sesame seeds, chopped walnuts, pistachios, dried currants, and ground cinnamon. Allow the pudding to cool before serving.
Recipe Notes
Soak Grains and Legumes: Soak wheat, beans, and chickpeas separately overnight to ensure even cooking and smooth texture.
Cook Separately: Simmer grains and legumes on their own before combining to maintain individual textures in the pudding.
Garnish Creatively: Top with pomegranate seeds, crushed nuts, orange zest, and a dusting of cinnamon to enhance flavor and presentation.
Serve Room Temperature: Allow Ashure to cool to room temperature—its flavors deepen and meld beautifully.
Make Plenty to Share: Traditionally prepared in large quantities, Ashure is meant for giving to neighbors, friends, and family.
