Asure Recipe

I absolutely love this Asure recipe because it’s like a nostalgic journey in every bite, with layers of flavors and textures that remind me of cozy gatherings with family and friends. Plus, the vibrant garnishes of pomegranate, pistachios, and coconut add a pop of color and freshness, making each serving feel like a little celebration!

Asure, which is called Noah’s pudding, is a rich, historic Turkish dessert. When I think of a traditional pudding, I imagine a smooth confection that is indirectly cooked—that is, cooked in a dish placed over simmering water to achieve a slow, gentle heat.

Puddings can be thickened with starch, like cornstarch or arrowroot, or with egg yolks; they might be flavored with vanilla, lemon, or nutmeg; and they are always sweetened. Yet asure (or aşure), also known as Noah’s pudding, is a pudding of a somewhat different order.

It is a massive pot of goodness—so good, in fact, that it is impressive enough to be served on special occasions.

Asure Recipe Ingredients

• Wheat berries: High in fiber, they provide a chewy texture.
• Chickpeas: Excellent source of protein and fiber, nutty flavor.
• White beans: Rich in protein, creamy texture.
• Rice: Adds thickness and creaminess to the dish.
• Bulgur: Whole grain, nutty flavor, rich in fiber.
• Dried apricots: Natural sweetness, rich in vitamin A.
• Dried figs: Sweet, high in fiber and minerals.
• Raisins: Sweetness, high in antioxidants.
• Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts): Crunch and nutrition, healthy fats.
• Citrus zest: Brightens flavor, rich in vitamin C.

Asure Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup wheat berries
• 1/2 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1/2 cup white beans, soaked overnight
• 1/2 cup rice
• 1/4 cup bulgur
• 12 cups water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
• 1/4 cup blanched almonds
• 1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (for garnish)

How to Make this Asure Recipe

1. Wash the wheat berries in a stream of cold water. In a large pot, combine the wheat berries with 12 cups of water. Heat to boiling, then reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes.

2. Soaked chickpeas and white beans should be drained and rinsed. Then, they are to be added to the pot with the wheat berries. After this, everything should be allowed to simmer together for another 30 minutes.

3. Wash the rice and bulgur. Put both in the pot and simmer them for 20-30 more minutes, occasionally giving them a stir.

4. Mix in the granulated sugar, letting it dissolve thoroughly. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes.

5. Place the dried apricots, raisins, dried figs, blanched almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts in the pot. Combine well.

6. Incorporate the grated rinds of orange and lemon, powdered cinnamon, powdered cloves, and salt. Allow the mixture to simmer very gently for approximately 20 minutes.

7. When everything is cooked through and well combined, take the pot off the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

8. Move the Asure to the bowls from which it will be served. Place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours to ensure that it is set before serving.

9. Prior to serving, garnish individual portions with pomegranate seeds, chopped pistachios, and shredded coconut.

10. Serve the Asure cold and relish the delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Asure Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander or sieve
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Stirring spoon
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Grater or zester
9. Serving bowls
10. Refrigerator

FAQ

• What is aşure?Aşure, known also as Noah’s pudding, is a traditional Turkish dessert. It is made with a mixture of grains, fruits, and nuts. It is believed to have been prepared using what remained on Noah’s Ark.
• Can I substitute or add different nuts and fruits?Certainly! You can personalize the nuts and dried fruits to your liking or to what you have on hand. For instance, you might prefer to use dried cranberries or almonds in place of the hazelnuts.
• Is it necessary to soak the chickpeas and beans overnight?Soaking indeed helps to soften the legumes, and this can reduce the time spent in cooking them. But more importantly, soaking improves the texture of legumes, making them more palatable.
• Can I reduce the amount of sugar?Of course, you can change the quantity of sugar used according to your individual taste preferences. Natural sweeteners such as honey or agave syrup work well, too.
• How long does it take to prepare aşure?The timing from beginning to end can span 2-3 hours, but it can also take less time if precision is not a high priority and if washing the grains and legumes in a delayed manner is not an issue. After the initial soaking, it is possible to delay the washing and proceed to the next step of boiling the legumes and grains for an hour.
• How should aşure be stored?Aşure must be kept in the refrigerator in airtight containers and is best consumed in 3-4 days.
• Is aşure served hot or cold?Aşure is cold or at room temperature, which allows the flavor to meld together better, served.

Asure Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use barley or farro instead of wheat berries.
Replace blanched almonds with slivered almonds or cashew nuts.
Instead of raisins, use sultanas or currants.
Substitute granulated sugar for honey or agave syrup to achieve a different sweetness level.
When dried figs are not accessible, substitute them with dried cranberries.

Pro Tips

1. Time Management: Start the soaking of chickpeas and white beans the night before, allowing you to save time on the cooking day. Also, prepare and measure out your dried fruits and nuts while the grains and legumes are simmering to streamline the process.