Aşure Recipe Ingredients Cooking Time and Calories Explained in Detail
- Deniz Uyanik
- Sep 11
- 4 min read
Aşure, known as "Noah's Pudding," is a cherished Turkish dessert steeped in history. It's named after the belief that it was made from the leftovers aboard Noah's Ark, symbolizing gratitude and abundance. While it is particularly popular during Muharram, many indulge in this sweet treat all year round for its delightful flavors and health benefits.
In this post, we will delve into the ingredients for Aşure, cooking times, calorie content, and a detailed guide to creating this exquisite dessert.
Ingredients List
Creating Aşure requires a blend of ingredients, each contributing to its unique taste and nutritional value. Here’s what you need to prepare this delightful dish:
Main Ingredients
Wheat (1 cup)
This is the foundation of the pudding, giving it a chewy texture.
Necessary for boiling the wheat, achieving a porridge-like consistency.
Adds sweetness to balance the flavors of the main ingredients.
These add fruity sweetness and a pleasing texture.
Contribute a rich flavor and chewy consistency.
Enhance sweetness and the overall taste profile.
Introduce a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
Used for garnishing and adding a burst of color.
Provides warmth and depth of flavor.
Water (7 cups)
Sugar (1 cup)
Dried Apricots (1/2 cup, chopped)
Dried Figs (1/2 cup, chopped)
Raisins (1/2 cup)
Chopped Walnuts (1/2 cup)
Pistachios (1/4 cup, chopped)
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
10. Orange Zest (from 1 orange)
- Brightens the dish with a refreshing aroma.
11. Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Adds a sweet, aromatic richness.
12. Milk (1 cup, optional)
- For a creamier version; optional for those preferring a lighter dish.
Optional Garnishes
Pomegranate Seeds (for topping)
Coconut Flakes (for sprinkle)
Any other dried fruits or nuts you prefer
This assortment of ingredients makes Aşure not just a dessert but a nutrient-rich dish bursting with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Cooking Time
While preparing Aşure involves several steps, with a little patience you can create a delicious and rewarding dessert. Here’s how the cooking time breaks down:
Preparation Time:
Soaking the Wheat: 6–8 hours (ideally overnight)
Cooking Time:
Cooking the Wheat: 30–40 minutes
Rinse the soaked wheat, place it in a pot with 7 cups of water, bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the wheat is soft and much of the water is absorbed.
After the wheat is cooked, mix in the dried apricots, figs, raisins, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir occasionally while simmering.
Allow the mixture to thicken; add more water if it becomes too thick.
Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest, and add milk if you prefer a creamier texture.
Transfer Aşure to serving bowls and cool in the refrigerator. It will thicken further as it cools.
Adding Fruits and Sweeteners: 10–15 minutes
Thickening the Mixture: 20–30 minutes
Finishing Touches: 5–10 minutes
Cooling Time: 1–2 hours
From start to finish, the process can take around 8 hours, including soaking time, but the active cooking time is approximately 1–2 hours.
Calorie Count
Aşure is considered a healthy dessert option due to its natural ingredients. Here’s an estimate of the calorie content for a standard serving (1 cup):
Wheat: 180 calories
Sugar: 387 calories
Dried Apricots: 156 calories
Dried Figs: 150 calories
Raisins: 108 calories
Walnuts: 196 calories
Pistachios: 115 calories
Milk (optional): 103 calories
Total Caloric Value
Based on these estimates, a serving of Aşure has about 1185 calories for a full batch. Assuming the dish is divided into 8 servings, this amounts to roughly 148 calories per serving without the optional milk. If you add toppings like coconut flakes or pomegranate seeds, the calorie count can increase.
How to Prepare Aşure
Here’s a straightforward, step-by-step guide to preparing Aşure at home:
Soak the Wheat:
In a large bowl, cover the wheat with water and let it soak for 6–8 hours or overnight.
Drain the soaked wheat and place it in a pot. Pour in 7 cups of fresh water. Boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until soft.
Once the wheat is tender, mix in the dried apricots, figs, raisins, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir well and let it cook for 15 more minutes.
Continue simmering, stirring until thickened. If the mixture is too dense, add more water as needed.
When the desired consistency is reached, stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest. If you choose to add milk, now is the time to mix it in.
Pour Aşure into individual bowls and let them cool in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Garnish with pistachios, pomegranate seeds, or coconut flakes before serving for an appealing presentation.
Cook the Wheat:
Add the Ingredients:
Thicken the Mixture:
Include Flavorings:
Serve and Garnish:
Top it Off:
Enjoy!
Aşure not only delights the taste buds but also fosters connection among people, enhancing its significance during gatherings or celebrations.
A Sweet Cultural Tradition
Aşure is not just a dessert; it represents a cultural legacy of abundance and togetherness. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Aşure offers a rich medley of flavors that contribute to its long-lasting popularity.
This versatile dessert can be adapted to suit various tastes, making it appealing across different palates. With a simple ingredient list and easy instructions, anyone can make this wonderful dish at home.
As you try different variations of the recipe, remember the meaningful history behind Aşure and the joy it brings to those who share it. Gather your ingredients and indulge in this heartfelt dish with family and friends.
With this detailed guide, you are all set to create your own Aşure and discover the delightful flavors of this treasured Turkish dessert. Happy cooking!
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