Ashure

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Ashure or Noah's Pudding is a dessert that is made of a mixture consisting of grains, fruits and nuts. Its anecdotal history it is claimed that when Noah's Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat in northeastern Turkey, Noah's family celebrated with a special dish. Since their supplies were nearly exhausted, what was left (primarily grains, dried fruits and the like), were cooked together to form a pudding and thus made themselves what is now call Ashure. However, traditionally, this mixture is prepared on the Day of Ashura, which marks the end of the Battle of Karbala. Hence, the Noah's involvement in this mixture can be disputed.

Traditionally, Ashure is made in large quantities to commemorate the arks landing and is distributed to friends, relatives, neighbors, colleagues, classmates, etc. with little regard to the recipients religion or belief system or religious as an officering of peace and love. Ashure was generally made and eaten during the colder months of the year as it is calorie rich fare, but now it is enjoyed the year around. Ashure is a part of the culinary tradition of Turkey as well as many of the surrounding countries.

Ashure pudding does not seem to have a specific recipe as it is slightly different from region to region and family to family. However traditionally, it is said to have at least 7 ingredients. Among these are wheat, rice, beans, chick peas, sugar (or other sweetener), dried fruits, nuts though there are many variants. However, many renditions add orange and lemon peel to add depth to the pudding. Condiments, such as, sesame seeds, pomegranate kernels, and rose water as well as cinnamon or any combination thereof are placed on top before serving. There are rendition of assure containing lentils as well. [1]Annual Noah's Pudding Day http://www.lehighdialogue.org/website/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=28