Ashura with Milk – Ingredients and Preparation Method

Ashura with Milk – Ingredients and Preparation Method

Ashura with milk is a simple dessert made from three main ingredients: milk, sugar, and wheat. Its origins are traced back to multiple stories, all beginning in Egypt. One story attributes this dessert to the Fatimids, who created it to celebrate Ashura Day, along with other celebrations like the Prophet’s birthday and the night of the mid-Sha’ban. Another story suggests that when Saladin entered Egypt, he sought to erase all Fatimid customs, including their desserts, and introduced new dishes, including Ashura in its current form. A third tale credits Prophet Noah with inventing the Ashura dessert, and it was known as "Ashure" in the Ottoman Empire. Regardless of its origins, this Egyptian dessert is delicious, easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion. Here, we present the recipe and ingredients needed, hoping it will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients for Ashura with Milk:

• 250 grams of whole or crushed wheat
• 6 cups of milk
• 4 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon of liquid vanilla or rose water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup of sugar
• 4 tablespoons of fresh cream
• For serving: Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and pistachios; raisins and shredded coconut.

How to Prepare Ashura with Milk:

1. Soak the Wheat: Start by washing the wheat thoroughly and soaking it in water in a medium-sized bowl that can accommodate the wheat’s expansion. Soak overnight for about 12 hours.

2. Boil the Wheat: After soaking, boil the wheat in a suitable pot filled with water. Bring it to a rapid boil, then turn off the heat and let it sit in the hot water for an hour until fully cooked. This method speeds up the cooking process and helps the starch float to the top, which aids in thickening the dessert.

3. Add Milk: Pour the milk over the cooked wheat and place the pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally, monitoring the consistency, and add more milk if necessary.

4. Sweeten the Mixture: Add sugar to taste. You can adjust the sweetness or use natural honey as an alternative. Add liquid vanilla or rose water, followed by a single cinnamon stick.

5. Thicken with Cornstarch: Dissolve the cornstarch in a little water or milk and add it directly to the mixture. Stir continuously until the Ashura thickens to the desired consistency.

6. Add Cream (Optional): For a richer flavor, add fresh or store-bought cream according to availability.

7. Serve Immediately: Ashura should be served immediately in serving dishes as it thickens quickly, unlike pudding. Prepare individual bowls or a large dish in advance.

8. Garnish and Enjoy: Pour the Ashura into your chosen serving dishes and garnish with assorted nuts, shredded coconut, raisins, and a sprinkle of ground pistachios for an added touch of beauty. Enjoy this delightful dessert, and bon appétit!