Christmas Dessert Recipe- Turkish Ashura

Posted by Carla Marie Boulianne Nov 29, 2008

I discovered ashura during the second year of my marriage to a Turk. The recipe is easily adapted to ingredients found in American grocery stores. My first year making ashura for Christmas dinner, I used standard lima beans, Great Northerns, and dried cherries. I prefer the creamy version of the recipe, using milk instead of water while cooking.

My mother-in-law was extremely impressed that I pulled off this dish, normally served to visitors during New Year's celebrations in Turkey. It is actually quite easy to make. The biggest challenge is the extended visit to the bulk section of a grocery store during the holiday shopping crush. My cart is always in someone's way in the narrow aisles.

My children love this Christmas dessert recipe. Don't tell anyone there are beans in the dish, and everyone will enjoy Noah's Dessert. Share the story of its origins, described in the recipe for this traditional Christmas Eve Dinner dessert.

Enjoy! Whether you call it Noah's Pudding, asure, or ashure, I hope ashura becomes a welcome holiday tradition in your house.