Ash Reshteh – A Hearty Persian Noodle and Herb Soup
Ash Reshteh is a thick Persian noodle soup made with herbs, beans, and legumes. It is one of the most famous traditional dishes in Iranian cuisine. The soup combines lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, and fresh greens such as parsley, spinach, and cilantro. Thin Persian noodles called reshteh give the soup its unique texture. The dish is typically topped with fried onions, garlic, mint oil, and kashk, a fermented yogurt sauce. Rich in nutrients and flavor, Ash Reshteh can serve as a full meal. It is commonly prepared during festivals, family gatherings, and cold winter evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1 cup kidney beans
- 1 cup lentils
- 200 g Persian noodles (reshteh) or linguine
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup parsley (chopped)
- 1 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 cup dill (optional)
- 2 tbsp dried mint
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup kashk (or yogurt) for topping
Instructions
- Soak chickpeas and kidney beans overnight. Drain before cooking.
- In a large pot, cook chickpeas and kidney beans with water until tender (about 30–40 minutes).
- Add lentils and continue cooking for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden brown. Reserve half for garnish.
- Add garlic, turmeric, and flour to the onions and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the onion mixture to the pot with beans.
- Stir in spinach, parsley, cilantro, and dill. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add noodles and cook until soft.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve topped with fried onions, dried mint oil, and kashk.
Notes
- Traditional Persian noodles called reshteh give authentic flavor.
- Kashk adds a tangy, creamy taste.
- The soup thickens naturally as it cooks.
- Fresh herbs are essential for authentic flavor.
- You can substitute yogurt if kashk is unavailable.
- Use canned beans to reduce cooking time.
- The soup tastes even better the next day.
- Vegan versions omit kashk.