Persian Noodle Soup Recipe (Ash Reshteh)

Persian noodle soup, or Ash Reshteh, is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This recipe showcases a harmonious blend of legumes, fresh herbs, and noodles, making it perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. Its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients make it a standout choice for various occasions, whether it’s a family dinner or a special celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with lentils, beans, and greens, this soup offers a healthy dose of protein and fiber.
• Flavorful Herbs: The combination of cilantro, parsley, and dill provides a fresh burst of flavor that elevates the dish.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this hearty soup in under an hour.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the soup with your favorite vegetables or legumes to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure you have a smooth cooking experience when making this Persian noodle soup recipe (Ash Reshteh), gather your essential tools before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A must-have for cooking soups; it allows for ample space to stir and simmer your ingredients without spilling.
• Sharp knife: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently; a good knife ensures safety and speed during preparation.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Persian noodle soup recipe (Ash Reshteh), gather the following ingredients:

Base Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 6 cups vegetable broth

Legumes

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
• 1 cup navy beans, cooked
• 1 cup kidney beans, cooked

Noodles and Greens

• ½ pound Persian noodles or linguine
• 3 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup parsley, chopped
• 1 cup dill, chopped

Seasoning and Garnish

• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream or yogurt, for serving
• Fried onions, for garnish

How to Make Persian Noodle Soup Recipe (Ash Reshteh)

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
– Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
– Stir in minced garlic and turmeric; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Broth and Legumes

Pour in the vegetable broth.
– Add the lentils, chickpeas, navy beans, and kidney beans.
– Bring to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Add Noodles

Add the Persian noodles (or linguine) to the pot.
– Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until noodles are tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Greens

Add chopped spinach, cilantro, parsley, and dill.
– Stir well; cook for another 5-7 minutes until the greens have wilted.

Step 5: Season the Soup

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls.
– Top with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and a sprinkle of fried onions.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Persian noodle soup!

How to Serve Persian Noodle Soup Recipe (Ash Reshteh)

Serving Persian noodle soup, or Ash Reshteh, can elevate your dining experience. This comforting dish pairs wonderfully with various toppings and sides that enhance its flavors.

Toppings

• Sour Cream or Yogurt: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the spices.
• Fried Onions: Sprinkle for a crunchy texture that complements the soup’s richness.
• Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or parsley can brighten up each bowl with freshness.

Accompaniments

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm bread for dipping and scooping.
• Salad Shirazi: A refreshing cucumber, tomato, and onion salad that contrasts the soup’s warmth.
• Pickled Vegetables: Add tangy pickles to awaken your palate between bites.

How to Perfect Persian Noodle Soup Recipe (Ash Reshteh)

To make your Persian noodle soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, and parsley enhance flavor significantly.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Experiment with Legumes: Feel free to mix different beans or lentils for varied textures and flavors.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust turmeric and salt according to your taste preference for a personalized touch.

Best Side Dishes for Persian Noodle Soup Recipe (Ash Reshteh)

Pairing side dishes with your Persian noodle soup enhances the meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Tzatziki: A yogurt-based dip made with cucumber and garlic; it adds a refreshing flavor.
2. Stuffed Grape Leaves: These savory parcels bring a delightful texture contrast to the soup.
3. Fattoush Salad: A crisp salad with toasted bread pieces that adds crunchiness.
4. Roasted Eggplant Dip (Baba Ganoush): Creamy and smoky, it’s perfect for spreading on bread.
5. Cucumber Yogurt Salad: Cool and creamy, this dish complements the heat of the soup beautifully.
6. Spiced Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices offers a hearty side option that pairs well with the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Persian noodle soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish.

• Skipping the Soaking: Not soaking your lentils and beans can lead to longer cooking times. Always soak them beforehand to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
• Overcooking the Noodles: Cooking the noodles for too long can make them mushy. Add them towards the end of cooking and keep an eye on their texture.
• Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can dull the flavor of your soup. Fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley enhance the taste significantly.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Forgetting to season your soup can result in bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
• Not Measuring Ingredients: Eye-balling ingredients may lead to imbalances. Use measuring cups for accuracy, especially with spices and broth.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Persian Noodle Soup Recipe (Ash Reshteh)

• Allow soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating Persian Noodle Soup Recipe (Ash Reshteh)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Persian noodle soup.

What makes Persian Noodle Soup Recipe (Ash Reshteh) unique?

Persian noodle soup is unique due to its combination of legumes, fresh herbs, and noodles, creating a hearty and flavorful dish that is both nutritious and satisfying.

Can I customize the ingredients in Ash Reshteh?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like carrots or zucchini or substitute beans based on your preference. The recipe is very versatile.

How do I make this soup vegetarian-friendly?

This Persian Noodle Soup Recipe (Ash Reshteh) is already vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth, making it perfect for plant-based diets.

What types of noodles work best?

While traditional recipes use Persian noodles, linguine or other thin pasta can work well if Persian noodles are unavailable.

Final Thoughts

This Persian Noodle Soup Recipe (Ash Reshteh) offers a warm embrace on chilly days while being packed with nutrients from legumes and greens. Its adaptability allows you to personalize it according to your taste preferences. Give it a try for your next meal!