Assida Boufriwa - Recipe & Story

 Assida Boufriwa (Tunisian Hazelnut Pudding)

1 cup hazelnuts

2 1/3 cup milk

1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup flour 

1/4 cup sugar

1 package vanilla pudding

Ground nuts, whole nuts, sprinkles for decorating 

1. Remove the majority of the skins from hazelnuts (this can be done as lazily or thoroughly as you like).
2. In a food processor or blender grind the hazelnuts until they turn into a paste (you will need to scrap down the sides a few times)
3. Mix together hazelnut paste, milk, sweetened condensed milk, sugar and flour until totally combined.
4. Place in a pot over medium heat. Stir constantly until it begins to thicken and bubbling. Let it bubble while continuing to stir for about a minute.
5. Divide into individual serving cups. If the top is lumpy, use a wet finger to smooth.
6. While the hazelnut crème cools prepare the vanilla pudding according to the package directions. Divide on top of the hazelnut crème and allow to cool.
7. Decorate with nuts and sprinkles.

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Food plays such an important role in our celebrations, and for Mouled in Tunisia, it’s all about assida. This traditional pudding is made to mark the birthday of the Prophet Mohamed, and the two most beloved versions are assida zagougou (pine nuts) and assida boufriwa (hazelnuts).

My favorite part? Decorating the tops! Each pudding is beautifully dressed up, and it’s a tradition to exchange them with friends and family. Seeing all the different designs is such a joy and adds to the festive spirit. ✨

Have you tried making assida yet? It’s easier than you think!