Noah’s Pudding “Ashura”

Ashura Recipe: A Dessert of Gratitude

Legend has it that Ashura was created when Prophet Noah’s (pbuh) ark rested on Mount Ararat, in what is now Türkiye, after the flood subsided. To express their gratitude to Allah (swt), the survivors gathered all remaining provisions aboard and combined them to create a nourishing dish. This blend of grains, legumes, and fruits has since become the symbolic dessert, Ashura. Here’s a recipe that serves 12, inspired by the flavors and tradition passed down from this ancient tale.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups wheat
• ⅓ cup dry chickpeas
• ⅓ cup dry white beans
• 10 dried apricots, chopped
• 10 dried figs, chopped
• ½ cup raisins
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup crushed walnuts
• 1 small pomegranate

Optional Flavorings:

• 2 tablespoons rosewater
• 10 cloves

Garnish:

• Ground cinnamon
• Crushed walnuts
• Pomegranate seeds

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Wash the wheat, chickpeas, and white beans. Soak each in separate bowls overnight.

2. Cooking Ingredients:

   • The next morning, drain and cook the wheat, chickpeas, and beans in separate pots until tender, then drain each again.

3. Preparing Fruits:

   • Wash the dried fruits, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and soak until soft. Drain once softened.

4. Combining Ingredients:

   • In a large pot, combine all the cooked grains, legumes, and soaked fruits. Add water until everything is fully covered. Stir continuously while bringing the mixture to a boil.

5. Sweetening and Flavoring:

   • Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. If desired, add rosewater and cloves before pouring into serving bowls.

6. Cooling and Serving:

   • Let the Ashura cool. Garnish with cinnamon, crushed walnuts, and pomegranate seeds before serving.

Serve this special dessert cold and enjoy a taste steeped in tradition and gratitude!

Bon Appetit!