Description

Ashura, also known as Aşure, is a traditional Egyptian wheat pudding named after the 10th day of the month of Muharram in the Hijri calendar. This comforting dessert features softened peeled wheat cooked with milk and sweetened with sugar or condensed milk. It is thickened with cornstarch and generously garnished with shredded coconut, raisins, pomegranate seeds, nuts, and dried fruits like dates, apricots, and figs. Rich in texture and flavor, Ashura makes for a nutritious and delightful treat to enjoy chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup wheat
4 cups water
1.5 liters milk
½–1 cup sugar (or condensed milk as alternative)
5 tablespoons cornstarch

For Serving and Garnish

Shredded coconut
Raisins
Pomegranate seeds
Nuts to taste (such as walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
Any dried fruits such as dates, dried apricots, figs

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Instructions

Soak and Cook Wheat: Soak the wheat overnight in water to soften it. The next day, rinse the wheat thoroughly. Place it in a pot with 4 cups of fresh water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour until tender.
Add Milk and Sweetener: Once the wheat is cooked and soft, add 1.5 liters of milk and ½ to 1 cup of sugar (or condensed milk if preferred) to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook the mixture over medium heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Thicken with Cornstarch: In a small bowl, mix the 5 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of cold milk to create a smooth slurry. Gradually add this slurry to the pot while stirring continuously. Continue cooking the pudding for about 10 minutes or until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Portion and Chill: Spoon the thickened Ashura pudding into small serving plates or bowls. Let the pudding cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for several hours until fully chilled and set.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon, shredded coconut, raisins, pomegranate seeds, chopped nuts, and additional dried fruits like dates or apricots. Optionally, you can add some of these dried fruits and nuts while cooking to enhance texture and flavor.

Notes

Soaking the wheat overnight helps soften it and reduces cooking time.
You can adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar or using condensed milk for a richer taste.
The pudding thickens as it cools, so ensure to cook it until it reaches a slightly thinner consistency than final desired.
Feel free to customize garnishes according to your preferences and available dried fruits or nuts.
This dessert is traditionally served chilled and is perfect for festive occasions.