The Sweet Tale of Aşure: A Dish of Unity and Tradition
In the heart of Turkish culture lies a symbolic dessert known as aşure, a sweet reminder of unity, sharing, and gratitude. This ancient dish carries a historical and religious significance, dating back to the time of Prophet Noah. Let's delve into the heartwarming tale behind aşure and learn how to prepare this delightful treat.
The Story of Aşure: According to Islamic tradition, aşure traces its roots to the story of Prophet Noah and his Ark. Legend has it that after the Great Flood, the Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat, and with their supplies dwindling, Prophet Noah and his family prepared a special dish using the remaining food. They mixed together various grains, including wheat, barley, rice, and legumes, along with dried fruits, nuts, and sweeteners to create a wholesome and nourishing dessert - the very first aşure. This act of resourcefulness and unity during challenging times laid the foundation for the tradition of preparing and sharing aşure during the Islamic month of Muharram, particularly on the 10th day, known as Ashura, which has just started.
Preparing Aşure: Aşure is a delightful fusion of flavors, colors, and textures. Though the exact ingredients may vary slightly from one recipe to another, the essence of this dish remains constant - a symbol of harmony and compassion. Here's a simple recipe to make this heartwarming dessert:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup wheat
- 1/2 cup barley
- 1/4 cup rice
- 1/4 cup chickpeas
- 1/4 cup dried white beans
- 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup dried currants
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon rosewater (optional)
- Orange zest (from one orange)
- Water
Instructions:
- Rinse the wheat, barley, rice, chickpeas, and white beans under cold water.
- In a large pot, add the rinsed grains and legumes, cover with water, and let them soak overnight.
- The next day, drain and rinse the soaked grains and legumes once more.
- In the same pot, add fresh water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer until the grains and legumes are tender and cooked thoroughly (this may take 1-2 hours).
- Stir in the dried fruits, nuts, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and rosewater (if using).
- Continue to cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow the aşure to cool down.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and orange zest before serving.
Aşure is not just a dessert; it is a reflection of history, faith, and humanity's resilience. The act of preparing and sharing this dish symbolizes togetherness, empathy, and compassion towards others. So, next time Muharram comes around, embrace this delightful tradition, and savor the sweet taste of aşure while cherishing the values it represents. If you think you won’t be able to experience this tradition, you can still get a bite of our snacks! Turkish Munchies offers top-quality snacks all the way from Turkey and right to your doorstep. Go and get your box today and experience the togetherness by sharing your delectable Turkish snacks with your loved ones.
Here are our tasty boxes filled with Turkish snacks:
