Noah's Pudding

The "Noah's Pudding" celebrates the common tradition of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. To celebrate the landing of Noah's Ark, every year volunteers of Atlantic Institute prepares a sweet dish called "Noah's Pudding" aka Ashure. In the Muslim prophetic tradition, the day Moses (peace be upon him) and his community were saved from the Pharaoh's army, and the day Noah's (peace be upon him) ark was saved from the flood is celebrated with fasting and in modern times with the sharing of Noah’s Pudding known as Asure.

People prepare the pudding at home and send a bowl to each of the neighbors in their neighborhood. As tradition goes the residents of forty houses to your east, west, north and south are considered neighbors. One has the responsibility of maintaining good relations with their neighbors regardless of what their religion or beliefs may be.

Noah's Pudding is a symbolic representation of the unity and essential relationship of humans to one another and to their Creator. Preparating of asure is a common practice among Muslim and Christian people in the Middle East.

When you take a look at the recipe for Asure below, you will immediately notice the diversity of ingredients, yet they form such a harmonious dessert.

What is Asure?

Asure is a dessert that is made of various grains, nuts, and fruits. The name itself comes from the Hebrew word “Asor” (the tenth). It is traditionally shared with friends and neighbors.

Recipe for Noah’s Pudding (makes 10 servings)

Ingredients:

1 cup wheat
1 cup white beans
1 cup garbanzo beans
1 cup raisins
1 cup almonds
3/4 cup peanuts
12 dried apricots
5 1/2 cups sugar
water (enough to cover)
topping: walnuts, cinnamon

Preparation:

Soak wheat, white beans, garbanzo beans and almonds in water overnight.
Boil the above ingredients; remove the outer shell or skin.
Soak the raisins in boiling water until they soften.
Put all the ingredients above (steps 1-3) in a large pot and boil. Add peanuts and almonds (peeled and cut in half) at this point.
Chop the apricot into small pieces; add to mixture along with sugar.
Boil for 10-15 minutes.
It could be decorated with walnut, cinnamon, pomegranate, hazelnut, almond, pistachio, sesame seeds, etc.
Enjoy your pudding!