Sunday, January 18, 2009

Ashure(Noah'desert)



Ashure is a dessert made from various grains, nuts, and fruits. It is completely vegetarian. The making of ashure is a common practice among Muslim and Christian people in the Middle East It is traditionally shared with friends and neighbours.
Exact ingredients depend on the cook’s creativity. Some common ingredients are: Wheat, beans, garbanzo beans, raisins, almonds, peanuts, dried apricots, sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon.
Although it can be prepared any time, Turkish people traditionally prepare ashure on or around tenth of Muslim lunar month of Muharram (Ashure day)
The story of the Noah’s ark is as sweet as the dessert named for it: When Noah’s ark came to rest on Mount Ararat in northeastern Turkiye (Turkey), they felt that a feast of celebration was called for. But their supplies were exhausted. However, they hunted through the ark and every little bit of food they could find, they put into the pudding and make themselves a splendid feast of ashure. Therefore, sharing is in the spirit of ashure - it is the symbol of unity among God’s creatures.


The Recipe (for 10 servings)

Ingredients
1 cup wheat, 1 cup white beans, 1 cup garbanzo beans, 1 cup raisins, 1 cup almonds, ¾ cup peanuts, 12 dried apricots, 5½ cups sugar, water (enough to cover). For topping: pistachio, walnuts, cinnamon, pomegranate (optional).
Soak wheat, white beans, garbanzo beans and almonds in water overnight. Boil them and remove the outer shell or skin. Soak the raisins in boiling water until they soften. Put all the ingredients, including raisins, in a large pot and boil. Add peanuts and almonds (peeled and cut in half) at this point. Chop the apricot into small pieces; add to mixture along with sugar. Boil for 10–15 minutes. Serve chilled.

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