TurkishDessert

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Aşure, 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

step by step

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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

12 servings

Ingredients

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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.

•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.

Variations & Substitutions

make it your own

•You can substitute pearl barley for wheat berries if preferred.

Storage & Reheating

keeping it fresh

Storage

Store Aşure in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture will thicken as it sits; you can stir in a little cold water or milk before serving if desired. Keep garnishes separate and add fresh just before serving for best presentation. This dessert freezes well for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Aşure is traditionally served cold and does not require reheating. If you prefer a warm version, gently reheat individual portions in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or milk to prevent sticking. Heat only until warm, not boiling, to preserve the texture of the fruits and grains.