Noah's Pudding (Ashure)
Aşure is a broadly shared Muharram pudding; the Noah's-Ark-on-Ararat legend ties it to the Kurdish highlands, but it is not distinctively Kurdish. According to legend the first Aşure was made from the leftover grains, fruits and nuts on Noah's Ark after it rested on Mount Ararat in the Kurdish highlands of eastern Anatolia. It is cooked in large pots during Muharram and shared with neighbors as a symbol of togetherness. Decoration is considered part of the recipe.
Method
Soak the wheat berries, chickpeas and white beans separately overnight.
Combine the wheat berries with the water in a large pot, bring to a boil, then simmer about 1 hour 15 minutes until tender.
Meanwhile drain the chickpeas and beans and cook each separately in fresh water for about 1 to 1 1/4 hours until tender.
Chop the dried figs and apricots while the grains cook.
Once the wheat is cooked, add the drained chickpeas and beans to the pot.
Stir in the figs, apricots, sultanas, cinnamon sticks and cloves.
Gradually add the sugar to the desired sweetness.
Simmer on low heat about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves, spoon into bowls and cool to room temperature.
Garnish with cinnamon powder, chopped nuts and pomegranate seeds before serving.