This recipe for Asure is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that takes me on a nostalgic journey with every bite, blending the wholesomeness of grains and beans with the sweetness of dried fruits and fresh pomegranate. I love how it brings together such an array of ingredients, making it not just a dessert but an experience that warms my heart and soul, connecting me with tradition in the most deliciously unique way.
Asure, a dessert from Turkey, is heartwarming and delightful. Whole grains, fruits, and nuts make up its base.
I think those ingredients alone would yield something wonderful. But the combinations of those ingredients in here’s yield something nutty, rich, and remarkably flavorful.
Half a cup of chickpeas and half a cup of white beans bring in the nutty richness I love. A handful of fragrant spices (like cinnamon and cloves) round out this dish.
Asure is not just pleasing to the palate; with ingredients like pomegranate, pomegranate juice, and hazelnuts, it’s also healthy.
Ingredients
Whole Wheat:
Full of fiber; beneficial for digestion and heart health.
Chickpeas:
Rich in protein and fiber; promotes muscle and gut health.
White Beans:
High in protein and iron; enhances energy and immunity.
Dried Apricots:
Sugary, with a lot of fiber; gives off vitamins A and C.
Dried Figs:
Inherent sweetness; elevated mineral content, such as potassium.
Raisins:
Imparts sweetness; rich in iron and antioxidants.
Pine Nuts:
Abundant in heart-healthy fats; delivers magnesium for the maintenance of healthy nerve function.
Hazelnuts:
Heart-healthy fats are present in this food, and it is also rich in vitamin E and antioxidants.
Pomegranate Seeds:
Slightly tangy; brimming with vitamins and antioxidants.
Cinnamon:
Contributes warmth; might assist in regulating blood glucose levels.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup whole wheat
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup white beans, soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 pomegranate, seeds removed
- 1 stick of cinnamon
- 8 cloves
- 9-10 cups water (or more as needed)
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional toppings: walnuts, almonds, sesame seeds, coconut flakes, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon powder
Instructions
1. Wash the whole wheat well and put it in a big pot with the water. Heat until boiling, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 45 minutes, or until the wheat has absorbed most of the water and is tender.
2. Chickpeas and white beans that have been soaked should be drained and rinsed before they are added to the pot with the cooked wheat. Then, let them all simmer together until the beans are soft and cooked through.
3. Put the rice in the pot and cook it until tenderness prevails, stirring now and then to ensure that no rice sticks to the bottom or sides of the pot.
4. Incorporate the diced dried apricots, dried figs, and raisins, letting them soften and become part of the ensemble.
5. Include the pine nuts, chopped hazelnuts, diced apple, orange juice, pomegranate seeds, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Mix well.
6. Slowly incorporate the sugar and salt, changing the taste to your perfection. Allow the combination to become a deeper flavor, simmering on low while you stay put and tend to it like a good friend for about 30-40 minutes.
7. Should the mixture thicken unduly, incorporate additional water until the desired consistency is reached. The texture ought to be akin to that of a thick soup.
8. Take out the cinnamon stick and cloves from the pot. Pour the blend into bowls for serving.
9. Let the Asure cool a little. Traditionally, it is served at room temperature or barely chilled.
10. Top your Asure with any of the optional ingredients you like, including but not limited to the following:
– Walnuts
– Almonds
– Sesame seeds
– Coconut flakes
– More pomegranate seeds
– Cinnamon “dust”
Equipment Needed
1. Large pot
2. Colander or sieve
3. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Citrus juicer (optional, for juicing the orange)
8. Bowls for serving
FAQ
- What is Asure?Asure, sometimes called Noah’s Pudding, is a centuries-old Turkish dessert that contains a number of different ingredients, including various grains, dried fruit, and nuts. It is a common practice to prepare this dish in large quantities to be served to multiple people since it embodies a spirit of sharing and is a simple way to ensure that many people can partake in a warm dessert.
- How should I prepare the chickpeas and white beans for this recipe?Soak the chickpeas and white beans in water overnight before cooking. This helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.
- Can I alter the amount of sugar in the recipe?Certainly, the amount of sugar in the prescribed formula can be changed in accordance with your taste inclination.
- Is it necessary to use all the optional toppings?No, the optional toppings are merely suggestions. You can select any mixture of the toppings to suit your gustatory preferences.
- Are there any substitutes for whole wheat in Asure?Whole wheat is standard, but you can try other grains, like barley. Remember, though, it may affect the texture and taste.
- How long does it typically take to cook Asure?How long Cooking Asure takes can depend on how fast the grains and beans soften, but it usually takes from 2 to 3 hours.
- Can Asure be stored, and for how long?Yes, Asure can be refrigerated for up to a week. Store it covered to keep it fresh.
Substitutions and Variations
You can use barley instead of whole wheat for a little more texture.
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas can be switched out for kidney beans to improve the nutrient profile.
Dried cranberries can replace dried apricots for a tart flavor—that is, if you can find them.
1 orange, juiced can be replaced with lemon juice for a tangier taste.
You can replace 1 cup sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
Pro Tips
1. Pre-cook Beans and Grains: To save time and ensure even cooking, consider pre-cooking the chickpeas, white beans, and rice separately before combining them with the wheat. This can help make sure that each element is perfectly tender.
2. Layered Aromatics: Enhance the flavor by briefly toasting the cinnamon stick and cloves in a dry pan before adding them to the pot. This will release their essential oils, intensifying their aroma and flavor in the dish.
3. Soak the Dried Fruits: Soak the dried apricots, figs, and raisins in warm water or a bit of the orange juice for 15–20 minutes before adding them to the pot. This can help them rehydrate and integrate more smoothly into the Asure, ensuring they remain juicy and don’t draw moisture from the surrounding mixture.
4. Perfecting the Sweetness: Add sugar gradually and taste as you go. Depending on the sweetness of the dried fruits and the personal preference of your audience, you might need less sugar than the recipe calls for.
5. Customize the Nut Texture: Toast the pine nuts and hazelnuts in a dry pan until golden to enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch. Be sure to add them towards the end of the cooking process to maintain their texture.
Asure Recipe
My favorite Asure Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot
2. Colander or sieve
3. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Citrus juicer (optional, for juicing the orange)
8. Bowls for serving
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup white beans, soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 pomegranate, seeds removed
- 1 stick of cinnamon
- 8 cloves
- 9-10 cups water (or more as needed)
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional toppings: walnuts, almonds, sesame seeds, coconut flakes, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon powder
Instructions:
1. Wash the whole wheat well and put it in a big pot with the water. Heat until boiling, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 45 minutes, or until the wheat has absorbed most of the water and is tender.
2. Chickpeas and white beans that have been soaked should be drained and rinsed before they are added to the pot with the cooked wheat. Then, let them all simmer together until the beans are soft and cooked through.
3. Put the rice in the pot and cook it until tenderness prevails, stirring now and then to ensure that no rice sticks to the bottom or sides of the pot.
4. Incorporate the diced dried apricots, dried figs, and raisins, letting them soften and become part of the ensemble.
5. Include the pine nuts, chopped hazelnuts, diced apple, orange juice, pomegranate seeds, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Mix well.
6. Slowly incorporate the sugar and salt, changing the taste to your perfection. Allow the combination to become a deeper flavor, simmering on low while you stay put and tend to it like a good friend for about 30-40 minutes.
7. Should the mixture thicken unduly, incorporate additional water until the desired consistency is reached. The texture ought to be akin to that of a thick soup.
8. Take out the cinnamon stick and cloves from the pot. Pour the blend into bowls for serving.
9. Let the Asure cool a little. Traditionally, it is served at room temperature or barely chilled.
10. Top your Asure with any of the optional ingredients you like, including but not limited to the following:
– Walnuts
– Almonds
– Sesame seeds
– Coconut flakes
– More pomegranate seeds
– Cinnamon “dust”
