Ashura

Ashura is a kind of dessert that is served on the occasion of the celebration of « Ashura » refering to the tenth of Muharram in Islamic calender. Preparing Ashura food is an old custom since the Ottoman era, when this day was known as the Ashura meal, in which food consisting of black lentils, barley bread and honey is prepared. This was classified served with yogurt and pickles, and then developed into cooking wheat grains, which is now called Ashura.  Orientalists in 19th century  mentioned the Egyptian habit of eating this dessert in this day and its cooking recipe which is identical to the one found today , this confirms the continuation and sustainablity of the element.Ashura consists of cooking wheat grains that have been soaked in water for two days until it soften, then boiled and filtered through a filter, and sweetened over the fire with sugar finally adding milk. In the past, it was sweetened with honey, then milk was added to it, then scooped into dishes and served cool. Many families in rural areas, popular neighborhoods and urban areas are keen on preparing Ashura. This is based on the fact that cutting customs is a bad omen for the family, as well as so that this family retains the joy of this occasion. Neighnors exchange dished of Ashura in this day by sending a dish with a child who return with another dish. It is also belived that prophet Noah cooked Ashura as a meal that he presented to the passengers of his ship, they claim he put not only wheat but seven seeds, which reflects the importance of number 7 in Egyptian folklore, then the ship docked on the shore. Among the innovations that took place on Ashura is that the Ashura dish is now served in some shops and resturants dedicated to selling and serve sweets and ice cream. It is also served in some restaurants and first-class hotels and is included under the list of dessert dishes, which may indicate the existence of a revival of some ancient foods in Egyptian society.