Saturday, October 4, 2008

History of Noah's Pudding (Ashure)

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) was cooked together to form a pudding, 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, Noah's involvement in this mixture can be disputed.
Traditionally, Ashure is made in large quantities to commemorate the ark's 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 offering 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 year-round. Ashure is a part of the culinary tradition of Turkey as well as many of the surrounding countries.
References: www.wikipedia.org

No comments: