Ashure (Varvara | Noah's Pudding)
This is one of the oldest desserts in the world and it's still a popular dessert in Greece, the Balkans, Turkey, Armenia and other Middle East countries.
Ingredients
- 1700 ml water
- 400 gr whole grain wheat or barley
- 400 gr granulated sugar
- 100 gr blonde raisins
- 100 gr dried apricots quartered
- 100 gr figs chopped
- 50 gr black raisins
- 50 gr walnuts coarsely chopped
- 50 gr peanuts from Aegina
- 50 gr almonds peeled
- 50 gr hazelnuts shelled
- 2 tbsp corn flour dissolved in 6 tbsp. water
For serving
- cinnamon
- rose water optional
- pomegranate seeds optional
Instructions
- The night before, put the wheat or barley in a large pot and cover with plenty of water.
- Place a saucepan over high heat and bring to the boil. Cover and boil for 35-40 minutes or until it softens.
- Lower the heat and add the sugar, raisins, and apricots.
- Stir from time to time with a wooden spoon to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Boil for about 25 minutes until the water reduces and a thin syrup begins to form.
- Add the walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and figs. Boil for another 5 minutes.
- Dissolve the corn flour in 6 tablespoons of water and then add it to the pot, stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes.
- Finally, pour the Varvara into deep bowls. Once cooled, sprinkle with cinnamon, pomegranate seeds, and a touch of rose water. You could also sprinkle with some chopped nuts.
Notes
Chef’s tip: The texture of the dessert while it is hot should be quite juicy, resembling a mushy risotto. As it cools, it will harden.
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