Anoushabour (Armenian Sweet Barley and Dried Fruit Pudding)
Local name: Անուշապուր
In short: A sweet Armenian pudding of pearl barley simmered with dried apricots, raisins and almonds, flavored with cinnamon and served warm or cold. It takes about 1 h 15 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 1 h
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 1 h 15 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 240 kcal
The name anoushabour means sweet soup, and it is the barley and dried fruit pudding that Armenian families make around Christmas and the New Year. Pearl barley simmers until tender, then dried apricots, raisins and sugar go in, followed by almonds and a splash of rose water. It thickens as it cools and is eaten warm or chilled, topped with cinnamon and more chopped nuts. It is vegan, filling and easy to make for a crowd.
Instructions
- Put the barley, water, cinnamon stick and salt in a large pot and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam.
- Reduce the heat, cover partly and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring now and then, until the barley is tender and the liquid looks slightly cloudy.
- Stir in the apricots and raisins and simmer for 10 minutes more, until the apricots are plump and soft.
- Add half the sugar and stir until dissolved. Taste, then add more if you like. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often, until the pudding is thick but still spoonable.
- Stir in half the nuts and the rose water, if using. Remove the cinnamon stick and let the pudding cool for 20 minutes. It thickens as it cools.
- Serve warm or chilled in small bowls, topped with the remaining nuts and a dusting of ground cinnamon. Add a splash of water to loosen it if it has set firm.
Tips
- Add the sugar in two stages and taste between, since dried apricots and raisins vary a lot in sweetness.
- Stir often during the last 10 minutes. The starchy pudding thickens quickly and can catch on the bottom of the pot.
Questions and answers
Can I serve anoushabour cold?
Yes. Many people like it chilled. It sets firm in the fridge, so stir in a splash of water before serving to loosen it.
Can I use wheat instead of barley?
Yes. Use pearled wheat with the same timing, or whole wheat berries soaked overnight and simmered for about 1 hour 15 minutes before adding the fruit.
How long does anoushabour keep?
Up to 4 days, covered, in the fridge. Add a little water when reheating, since it thickens as it stands.
How long does it take to make Anoushabour (Armenian Sweet Barley and Dried Fruit Pudding)?
About 1 h 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 1 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Anoushabour (Armenian Sweet Barley and Dried Fruit Pudding)?
About 240 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 240 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
