Authentic Turkish Ashure: Sweet Noah’s Pudding Recipe

Delight in the ancient, symbolic flavors of Turkish Ashure, affectionately known as Noah’s Pudding. This naturally vegan and gluten-free dessert is a harmonious blend of tender chickpeas, white beans, and rice, studded with dried fruits and fragrant citrus zest, making it a truly unique and comforting treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) dried chickpeas, pre-soaked overnight
• 1 cup (200g) dried great northern beans, pre-soaked overnight
• 1 cup (200g) short-grain white rice, thoroughly rinsed
• ½ cup (75g) dried apricots, finely chopped
• ½ cup (75g) golden raisins
• Zest of 1 large navel orange
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 6 cups (1.5L) water, plus extra hot water as needed
• ½ cup (50g) walnuts, roughly chopped (for garnish)
• ¼ cup (30g) pistachios, shelled and finely chopped (for garnish)
• ¼ cup (40g) fresh pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for dusting (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon rose water (optional, culinary grade)
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional, culinary grade)
• ½ cup (75g) dried figs, finely chopped (optional, for the pudding)

Instructions

1. Soak Pulses Thoroughly: The night before cooking, place the dried chickpeas and dried white beans into separate large bowls. Cover each with ample cold water, ensuring the water level is at least 2 inches above the beans, as they will expand significantly. Let them soak at room temperature for at least 8-12 hours. The next day, drain and rinse both the chickpeas and beans thoroughly under cold running water before proceeding.
2. Cook Chickpeas until Tender: Transfer the soaked chickpeas to a medium pot and cover them with fresh water by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 70-80 minutes, or until the chickpeas are very tender but still hold their shape. Drain well and set aside.
3. Cook White Beans until Tender: In a separate medium pot, repeat the process for the soaked white beans. Cover with fresh water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 70-80 minutes until they are creamy-tender. Drain well and set aside.
4. Prepare the Rice Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed short-grain white rice with the initial 6 cups (1.5L) of water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, keeping it uncovered, and simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. The rice should be mostly cooked, softened, and the liquid should have thickened into a milky consistency. Stir periodically to prevent the rice from settling and sticking to the bottom.
5. Combine and Simmer Pudding: Add the pre-cooked chickpeas, white beans, chopped dried apricots, golden raisins, granulated sugar, fine sea salt, and fresh orange zest to the pot with the rice. Stir everything together gently to combine. Continue to simmer the pudding over low heat for another 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, especially towards the bottom, as the pudding will begin to thicken considerably. If the pudding becomes too thick for your preference, gradually stir in small amounts of extra hot water until it reaches your desired creamy consistency. If using, add the chopped dried figs during this stage.
6. Refine Flavor and Sweetness: Taste the Ashure and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it perfectly suits your palate. For an authentic aromatic touch, stir in the optional rose water or orange blossom water at this stage, ensuring it’s evenly incorporated.
7. Serve and Garnish Generously: Ladle the warm, creamy Noah’s Pudding into individual serving bowls. While still warm, or just before serving if chilled, generously garnish each portion with a vibrant mix of roughly chopped walnuts, finely chopped pistachios, fresh pomegranate seeds, and a light dusting of ground cinnamon. Ashure can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Pro Tips

• Overnight Soaking is Key: Don’t skip or rush the soaking process for the pulses. Proper soaking reduces cooking time and makes them more digestible, resulting in a creamier texture in the final pudding.
• Stir Frequently: As the pudding thickens, especially after adding all ingredients, it can easily stick and scorch on the bottom. Frequent, gentle stirring, scraping the bottom, will prevent this and ensure even cooking.
• Taste and Adjust: Sweetness preferences vary widely. Always taste the pudding before serving and adjust the sugar, and optional floral waters, to your personal liking.
• Rinse Rice Well: Rinsing short-grain rice removes excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming overly gummy and ensures a creamier, not gluey, texture for the pudding.

Serving Suggestions

• Individual Portions: Ashure is traditionally served in individual bowls, allowing each person to enjoy their own beautifully garnished portion.
• Garnish Abundantly: The garnishes are not just for aesthetics; they add crucial texture, crunch, and fresh flavors. Don’t be shy with the walnuts, pistachios, pomegranate, and cinnamon.
• Temperature Versatility: While delicious warm, Ashure is equally delightful when chilled. It can be a refreshing dessert on a hot day or a comforting treat in cooler weather.
• With Turkish Coffee: For a truly authentic experience, serve Ashure alongside a small cup of strong Turkish coffee.

Variations & Add-Ins

• Spice It Up: A pinch of ground cloves or allspice can be added with the cinnamon for a deeper spice profile.
• Different Dried Fruits: Experiment with other dried fruits like dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dates. Be mindful of their sweetness levels.
• Nutty Additions: Toasted hazelnuts or almonds can be added to the garnish for extra crunch and flavor.
• Citrus Boost: A few drops of pure orange extract can intensify the orange flavor if desired.
• Sweeteners: While sugar is traditional, some recipes use grape molasses (pekmez) for a different kind of sweetness and darker color.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (active, plus overnight soaking) | Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes | Serves: 8-10

FAQs

Can I make Ashure ahead of time?

Absolutely! Ashure is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Its flavors deepen over time, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Garnish right before serving.

What is the significance of Noah’s Pudding?

Ashure is deeply symbolic, especially in Turkish culture, often associated with the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram. It’s believed to represent the dish Noah prepared with all the remaining ingredients on his ark after the flood subsided.

Can I use canned chickpeas and beans?

Yes, you can. If using canned, rinse them very thoroughly to remove excess sodium and preservatives. You’ll need about 2 cans (15 oz each) of chickpeas and 2 cans of great northern beans. This will significantly reduce cooking time but may alter the final texture slightly.

What are good substitutes for rose or orange blossom water?

If you don’t have these, you can omit them entirely, or for a different aromatic twist, add a tiny splash of vanilla extract or an extra grating of orange zest.

How do I know when the pudding is thick enough?

The pudding should reach a creamy, porridge-like consistency, similar to a rice pudding. It will thicken further as it cools. When stirring, it should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear trail if you run your finger through it.

Is Ashure typically served warm or cold?

Ashure is versatile and can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Many prefer it chilled, as the flavors meld beautifully and it becomes a refreshing dessert.

How can I store leftover Ashure?

Store any leftover Ashure in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It may thicken further, so you might need to stir in a little milk or water when reheating, if desired.

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