Asure

Asure Recipe from Turkey with Wheat, Chickpeas, Figs, and Pomegranate

Region / culture: Turkey | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Asure, also known as Noah's Pudding, is a traditional Turkish dessert that is rich in history and flavor. This delightful dish is made from a mixture of grains, fruits, and nuts, symbolizing abundance and diversity. It is not only a treat for the palate but also for the soul, embodying a story of survival, unity, and hope. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create your own Asure, inviting you to partake in a centuries-old tradition that continues to bring people together.

History

The history of Asure dates back to the biblical story of Noah and the ark. According to legend, after the floodwaters receded, Noah and his family were left with a variety of leftover grains, fruits, and nuts on the ark. To avoid wasting these precious resources, they combined everything they had into a single pot to create a pudding. This act of making the best out of the limited supplies available is a testament to human resourcefulness and has been passed down through generations as the dessert known today as Asure.

Ingredients

dehusked wheat for asure - 1 cup (180 g)
chickpeas - 0.33 cup (60 g)
dry white beans - 0.33 cup (60 g)
rice - 2 tbsp (15 g)
water - 12.5 cup (2.5 kg)
dried apricots - 10 (60 g)
dried figs - 5 (125 g)
raisins (seedless) - 0.5 cup (50 g)
orange - 1 small size (120 g)
sugar - 1.67 cup (300 g)
rose water - 2 tbsp (20 g)
walnuts (not crushed) - 0.67 cup (65 g)
pomegranate - 0.5 small size (50 g)

How to prepare

Wash the wheat, chickpeas, and dried beans. Soak them separately overnight, with beans and chickpeas in 1 cup of water, and the dövme and rice mixture in 2 cups of water.
Add 3 cups of water to the dövme, and 2 cups of water each to the chickpeas and beans. Place them individually on the burner.
Cook the dövme until the grains are dissolved and the starch comes out. If necessary, boil the chickpeas in a pressure cooker.
Wash the dried fruit and soak them for 2 hours in 1.5 cups of water.
Mix the cooked ingredients and the dried fruit in a pan and cook for 15 minutes.
Peel the orange and cut the rind, including the white inner part, into 3–4 cm long and 1 cm wide strips. Divide the orange slices into 4-5 pieces.
Add them all to the mixture and cook for another 5 minutes.
Add the sugar and cook for 1–2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
Add the rosewater and stir. Pour into dessert cups.
Garnish with walnuts and pomegranate seeds.

Variations

There are many regional variations of Asure throughout Turkey and the surrounding areas. Some versions include grains like barley or corn, while others incorporate different fruits and nuts. Feel free to adapt the recipe based on personal preferences or seasonal availability of ingredients.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Asure turns out perfectly, consider these tips and tricks:

- Soak the grains and legumes overnight to reduce cooking time and achieve a softer texture.

- Constantly stir the mixture as it cooks to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the sweetness according to your preference by modifying the amount of sugar.

- Feel free to experiment with the types of dried fruits and nuts based on availability and taste.

Serving Suggestions

Asure is traditionally served in bowls or glasses, garnished with additional chopped nuts and pomegranate seeds. It can be enjoyed either warm or cold, making it a versatile dessert for any season.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Asure is the slow cooking of the grains and legumes until they reach a porridge-like consistency. This requires patience and frequent stirring to ensure that the mixture does not stick to the bottom of the pan.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're unable to find some of the traditional ingredients, here are some substitutions:

- Use barley or quinoa in place of wheat for a different texture.

- Substitute any dried fruits you have on hand, such as dates or prunes, for the apricots and figs.

- Almonds or hazelnuts can replace walnuts for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Asure can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. In fact, letting it sit for a day or two can enhance the flavors as the ingredients meld together.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, serve Asure in clear glasses layered with additional fruits and nuts. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for added flair.

Pairing Recommendations

Asure pairs well with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee, providing a balance of sweet and bitter flavors. It can also be served alongside other traditional Turkish desserts for a festive treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Asure in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed cold, or gently reheated in a microwave or on the stove with a little added water to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Asure is relatively high in calories due to the sugar and grains. On average, a serving can contain between 250-350 calories. However, it's important to note that Asure is very filling and provides a significant amount of energy.

Carbohydrates

Asure is a carbohydrate-rich dessert, primarily due to the presence of grains like wheat and rice, as well as sugar and dried fruits. The complex carbohydrates from the grains provide sustained energy, while the simple sugars from the fruits and added sugar offer quick energy boosts. A serving of Asure can contain approximately 60-80 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fat content in Asure is relatively low, with most of the fats coming from the nuts used in the recipe. Walnuts, for example, are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. A serving of Asure may contain around 5-10 grams of fat, depending on the types and quantities of nuts included.

Proteins

Asure contains a modest amount of protein, primarily from the chickpeas, beans, and nuts. These plant-based proteins are essential for muscle repair and growth. A serving of Asure can provide approximately 5-10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is also a good source of various vitamins and minerals, thanks to the diverse ingredients used. The dried fruits and orange provide vitamin C and fiber, while the nuts offer magnesium and vitamin E. The legumes contribute iron and B vitamins, making Asure not only delicious but also nutritious.

Alergens

Common allergens in Asure include nuts and gluten. Those with nut allergies should omit the walnuts or substitute them with seeds, while those with gluten sensitivities should ensure that the wheat used is gluten-free.

Summary

Overall, Asure is a nutritious dessert that offers a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a high-energy food that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Asure is a traditional Turkish dessert with a rich history and a delightful mix of flavors and textures. This recipe not only offers a delicious treat but also a way to connect with a centuries-old tradition that celebrates diversity, resourcefulness, and unity. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or create your own variation, Asure is sure to be a memorable and meaningful addition to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Asure. It was many years ago, back when I was a young woman eager to discover new flavors and techniques in the kitchen. I had always loved cooking, but there was something about this particular dish that captured my interest.

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was at a bustling market in Istanbul, surrounded by vendors selling colorful spices, fresh produce, and aromatic herbs. As I wandered through the narrow aisles, my eyes were drawn to a small stand where an elderly woman was stirring a large pot filled with a thick, fragrant stew.

Intrigued, I approached the woman and asked her what she was cooking. She smiled warmly and told me that she was making Asure, a traditional Turkish dessert that is also known as Noah's Pudding. She explained that Asure is a dish that is made with a variety of grains, fruits, and nuts, and is traditionally enjoyed during the month of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar.

I was fascinated by the combination of ingredients in the dish - from the creamy texture of the grains to the sweetness of the fruits and the crunch of the nuts. The woman noticed my interest and offered to teach me how to make Asure. I was thrilled at the opportunity and eagerly accepted.

Over the next few hours, I watched as the woman carefully measured out each ingredient, explaining the importance of balance and harmony in the dish. She told me that Asure is not just a dessert, but a symbol of peace, unity, and generosity. She shared with me the story of Noah, who, according to legend, made this dish by combining whatever ingredients he had left on his ark after the great flood.

As the pot simmered on the stove, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma, the woman taught me how to stir the mixture gently and how to adjust the seasonings to taste. She told me that the key to a good Asure is patience and love, and that each spoonful should be savored slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.

When the dish was finally ready, the woman ladled a generous portion into a bowl and handed it to me with a smile. I took a hesitant bite, unsure of what to expect. But as soon as the creamy sweetness hit my tongue, I knew that I had discovered something truly special.

From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe for Asure. I experimented with different combinations of grains, fruits, and nuts, adding my own twist to the traditional dish. I shared my creations with friends and family, who marveled at the rich flavors and textures of the dessert.

As the years passed, I continued to make Asure, each time remembering the kind woman who had introduced me to this culinary treasure. I taught my own children how to make the dish, passing down the recipe from generation to generation. And now, as I look back on my life as a seasoned cook, I realize that the recipe for Asure has become more than just a dish - it is a symbol of my love for food, my passion for cooking, and my desire to share the flavors of the world with others.

So whenever I make a pot of Asure, I am transported back to that bustling market in Istanbul, where I first discovered the magic of this dish. And as I take a spoonful of the creamy, fragrant pudding, I am reminded of the beauty of tradition, the power of food to bring people together, and the joy of creating something delicious from simple ingredients.