Ashure Recipe

Wheat berries: Whole, unprocessed wheat kernels that provide a chewy texture and nutty flavor.

Cooked chickpeas: Adds protein and a creamy texture to the dish.

Cooked white beans: Another source of protein and creaminess, complementing the chickpeas.

Sugar: Sweetens the dessert, balancing the flavors of the grains and fruits.

Raisins: Adds natural sweetness and a chewy texture.

Chopped dried apricots: Provides a tangy sweetness and a soft texture.

Chopped dried figs: Adds a unique sweetness and a slightly crunchy texture from the seeds.

Toasted hazelnuts: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture.

Chopped walnuts: Adds a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and a crunchy texture.

Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a fragrant aroma.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Water: The base liquid for cooking the grains and legumes.

When preparing wheat berries, ensure they are rinsed thoroughly and soaked overnight to soften them. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture. When adding sugar and dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and figs, make sure to stir continuously to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Toasting the hazelnuts beforehand enhances their flavor, adding a delightful crunch to the dish.

• wheat berries - Substitute with barley: Barley has a similar chewy texture and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative to wheat berries.

• cooked chickpeas - Substitute with cooked lentils: Lentils provide a similar protein content and texture, though they are slightly softer.

• cooked white beans - Substitute with cooked cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a suitable replacement.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a slight floral note, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

• raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries offer a similar chewy texture and sweetness with a hint of tartness.

• chopped dried apricots - Substitute with chopped dried peaches: Dried peaches have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative.

• chopped dried figs - Substitute with chopped dates: Dates provide a similar sweetness and chewy texture, though they are slightly stickier.

• toasted hazelnuts - Substitute with toasted almonds: Toasted almonds offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor, though they are slightly less sweet.

• chopped walnuts - Substitute with chopped pecans: Pecans have a similar texture and rich, buttery flavor, making them a good alternative.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, spicy flavor similar to cinnamon, though it is slightly more pungent.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of saltiness with a slightly different mineral flavor.

• water - Substitute with coconut water: Coconut water adds a subtle sweetness and additional nutrients, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

• Allow the ashure to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can affect the texture and flavor.
• Transfer the ashure into airtight containers. Use individual serving-sized containers for convenience.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator. Ashure can be kept fresh for up to 5-7 days when properly refrigerated.
• For freezing, ensure the ashure is fully cooled. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Label the containers with the date to keep track of storage time. Ashure can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the ashure in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain food safety.
• Reheat the ashure gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if it appears too thick.
• Garnish with fresh nuts and dried fruits before serving to restore its delightful texture and flavor.

• For stovetop reheating, place the ashure in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or milk to maintain its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• To reheat in the microwave, transfer a portion of ashure to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If you prefer a slow and gentle reheating method, use a double boiler. Place the ashure in the top part of the double boiler and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This method helps preserve the texture and flavor.
• For a quick oven method, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Transfer the ashure to an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway to ensure even heating.
• If you have a slow cooker, you can reheat ashure on the low setting. Transfer the ashure to the slow cooker, cover, and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is great for reheating larger quantities.

• Large pot: Used to cook the wheat berries, chickpeas, and white beans together with water.

• Colander: Essential for draining the soaked wheat berries before cooking.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the mixture to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients like wheat berries, chickpeas, white beans, sugar, and dried fruits.

• Knife: Used for chopping dried apricots and dried figs into smaller pieces.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping dried fruits and nuts.

• Mixing bowls: Handy for holding prepped ingredients like chopped nuts and dried fruits before adding them to the pot.

• Serving bowls: Used to serve the ashure once it has cooled slightly.

• Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the pot and ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring small quantities of ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.

• Toaster or oven: Used to toast the hazelnuts before adding them to the ashure.

• Ladle: Ideal for serving the ashure into individual bowls.

Soak overnight: Soak wheat berries overnight to reduce cooking time.

Use canned beans: Opt for cooked chickpeas and white beans from a can to save time.

Pre-chop dried fruits: Pre-chop dried apricots and dried figs to streamline the process.

Measure ingredients in advance: Measure all ingredients before starting to make the process smoother.

Simultaneous tasks: Toast hazelnuts and chop walnuts while the mixture simmers.

Use a large pot: A large pot ensures even cooking and prevents overflow, saving cleanup time.