Regional
characteristics
It is one of the oldest and most traditional desserts of
Turkish Cuisine. 15 or more ingredients go into it while preparing
“asure”. It is usually made and served during the religious
month called “asure month” which follows the “fest of sacrifice”.
All religious days and holidays are observed according to
the Moslem calendar. Therefore these special days and holidays
move 10 days forward each year.
During “asure month” the pudding is prepared in large amounts
almost in every household, and offered for guests as well
as sent over to relatives and to the neighbors.
There is a legend about the origin of this desert. It goes
like this: “ When Noach’s ark came to rest on Mount Ararat
in northeastern Turkey, they felt that a feast of celebration
was called for. But their supplies were exhausted. However,
they hunted through the ark and every little bit of food they
could find, they put into the pudding and make themselves
a splendid feast of Asure.
Samples of Turkish Cuisine, Ministry of Culture
Publications of General Directorate of Folk Cultures Research
and Development.
