Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the fragrant aroma of simmering spices fills the kitchen, the world outside fades away, leaving only the comforting embrace of home. Today, I’m excited to share my version of a nourishing classic—Persian Noodle Soup, or Ash Reshteh. This heartwarming dish is packed with protein-rich legumes and vibrant herbs, making it a delightful solution for anyone craving something hearty yet wholesome. Not only is this soup quick to whip up, but it also warms the soul on chilly nights, proving to be the perfect antidote to fast food fatigue. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a nourishing meal that brings people together. Ready to discover the magic of Ash Reshteh? Grab your pots, and let’s dive in! Why is Ash Reshteh a must-try? Comforting Warmth: This Persian Noodle Soup offers a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from legumes, it fuels your body while satisfying the soul. Vibrant Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the aroma, inviting you to savor each bite. Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time. Versatile Options: Adapt it with different beans or greens as you prefer—experiment with flavors and textures! Pair it with Ground Beef Noodles for a delightful spread or enjoy by itself; either way, it’s a winner! Persian Noodle Soup Ingredients For the Soup Base Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps sauté the base ingredients; you can substitute it with any neutral oil. Onion – Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation; use shallots for a milder flavor. Garlic – Enhances depth of flavor; fresh garlic is preferable, but jarred works in a pinch. Turmeric – Offers earthy flavor and vibrant color; fresh ginger can be used for a different aromatic profile. Vegetable Broth – The flavorful soup base; chicken broth can be used for a non-vegetarian option. For the Legumes Lentils – Delivers protein and fiber, thickening the soup; substitute with black beans if desired. Chickpeas – Provides a hearty texture; use cooked canned beans for convenience. Navy Beans – Adds creaminess and substance; can be replaced by any white bean variety. Kidney Beans – Contributes to texture and nutrition; substitute for red beans if needed. For the Noodles & Greens Persian Noodles or Linguine – Gives the soup body and unique taste; spaghetti can serve as a substitute. Spinach – Adds freshness and nutrients; kale can be swapped in for a heartier green. Cilantro, Parsley, Dill – Fresh herbs that infuse aroma and flavor; mint can be an interesting alternative. For Garnishing Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out all flavors; adjust to taste. Sour Cream or Yogurt – A creamy garnish introducing tang; plant-based yogurt is a suitable alternative for vegans. Fried Onions (for garnish) – Adds crunch and extra flavor; crispy shallots can be used or omit for a lighter option. Indulge in this nourishing Persian Noodle Soup and enjoy the comforting blend of flavors in every spoonful! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hearty Persian Noodle Soup Step 1: Prepare the Base Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add one diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This fragrant base will infuse your Persian Noodle Soup with sweet aromas, creating a perfect foundation for the dish. Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves along with a teaspoon of turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden, ensuring the spices are well combined with the softened onion. This step deepens the flavors and sets the stage for the hearty components to follow. Step 3: Combine Broth and Legumes Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth, then add 1 cup of lentils, 1 can of chickpeas, 1 cup of navy beans, and 1 cup of kidney beans. Bring this mixture to a lively boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing the legumes to soften and the flavors to meld. Step 4: Incorporate Noodles After simmering the broth and legumes, add 8 ounces of Persian noodles or linguine to the pot. Stir gently and cook for another 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender. This step will enhance the heartiness of your Persian Noodle Soup, making it satisfying and filling. Step 5: Add Greens and Herbs Fold in 2 cups of chopped spinach, along with a handful each of chopped cilantro, parsley, and dill. Stir the greens into the simmering soup, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until they are wilted and vibrant. This infusion of fresh herbs adds brightness and nutritional value to your comforting bowl of Ash Reshteh. Step 6: Season and Serve Taste your Hearty Persian Noodle Soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnishing each serving with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, and a sprinkle of fried onions for crunch. This final touch enhances both the flavor and texture, making it a truly delightful meal. Persian Noodle Soup Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative and make this comforting soup your own with these delightful twists! Gluten-Free: Use quinoa instead of noodles for a nutritious, gluten-free version of Persian Noodle Soup. It’s a delightful change that blends well with the rich flavors. Bean Bonanza: Feel free to mix various beans based on availability—you could try black beans, pinto beans, or even cannellini beans. Each variety will add a unique flavor and texture that complements the dish beautifully. Add Zing: A splash of lemon juice just before serving brings a bright, fresh flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the hearty broth. It’s a simple twist that elevates the taste. Protein Power: To make this soup heartier, toss in some diced chicken or turkey for a protein boost. Their savory flavor harmonizes with the spices and lends a lovely depth to your Persian Noodle Soup. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or minced jalapeños during the cooking process. This addition will spice things up and tantalize your taste buds! Herb Mix-Up: Experiment by using different herbs like basil or even tarragon instead of the classic cilantro, parsley, and dill. This variation alters the aroma while still providing a fresh kick! Creamy Delight: Swap sour cream for tahini to introduce a unique nutty flavor and creaminess. This twist offers a vegan-friendly option that stands out in its own right. Nutty Finish: Top your soup with toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for an unexpected crunch that pairs beautifully with the silky broth. It’s a simple yet elegant upgrade perfect for impressing guests. Discover how versatile this classic dish can be! Whether you’re trying your hand at this Ground Beef Noodles recipe or focusing exclusively on the comforting bowl of Persian Noodle Soup, the possibilities are truly endless, inviting creativity into your kitchen! What to Serve with Hearty Persian Noodle Soup As the rich aroma of this delightful soup wafts through your kitchen, crafting the perfect meal alongside it can elevate your dining experience even further. Warm Flatbreads: Ideal for dipping or scooping, warm lavash or pita complements the soup’s flavors beautifully. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, yogurt, and mint adds a crisp contrast, balancing the heartiness of Ash Reshteh. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted root vegetables provide a sweet, caramelized depth that pairs wonderfully with the soup. Fried or Grilled Halloumi: This savory cheese offers a delightful salty bite, enhancing the overall richness of your meal. Spiced Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with saffron or turmeric harmonizes with the legumes, adding a touch of warmth and aroma. Minted Lemonade: A chilled, zesty drink refreshes your palate, making every sip an invigorating experience alongside the soup. Baklava: For dessert, the flaky texture and sweet honey flavors of this traditional pastry provide a lovely, indulgent ending to your meal. Herbal Tea: A fragrant herbal tea, like mint or chamomile, soothes the senses and rounds out the dining experience beautifully. How to Store and Freeze Persian Noodle Soup Fridge: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit more broth to maintain the creamy texture. Freezer: You can freeze Persian Noodle Soup for up to 3 months. To prevent mushy noodles, freeze without them, and add fresh noodles when reheating. Separation Tip: If storing leftovers, consider separating the garnishes (like sour cream and fried onions) to keep the flavors fresh and prevent sogginess. Reheating: Always reheat gently on low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, simply add more broth or water to get it back to your ideal consistency. Expert Tips for Persian Noodle Soup Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse lentils before use to ensure a clean, debris-free soup, which enhances the quality of your Persian Noodle Soup. Don’t Skip the Onions: Frying onions until they are golden adds essential flavor to the soup. Omit them, and you may miss a crucial layer of deliciousness! Adjust Consistency: If your soup thickens too much when cooling, don’t hesitate to add more broth or water when reheating to achieve the perfect consistency. Experiment with Greens: Feel free to swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different texture, making your Persian Noodle Soup unique while maintaining its heartiness. Garnish for Flavor: A sprinkle of fried onions or fresh herbs at the end dramatically elevates the dish, providing contrasting textures and vibrant flavors that excite the palate. Make Ahead Options Preparing your Hearty Persian Noodle Soup ahead of time is a breeze! You can chop the onions, garlic, and herbs up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge to save time on busy evenings. Additionally, the legumes can be cooked and refrigerated for up to 3 days. This makes your meal prep even faster—just reheat the broth with legumes, add the noodles, and simmer until tender before stirring in the fresh greens. To maintain quality, add the noodles and greens shortly before serving to keep their texture vibrant. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll be enjoying a delicious, comforting bowl of Persian Noodle Soup in no time! Persian Noodle Soup Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right legumes for Ash Reshteh? Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of lentils, chickpeas, navy beans, and kidney beans. Make sure your lentils are fresh, as older ones can take longer to cook and might not soften properly. I often recommend picking legumes based on what you have on hand—black beans can be a great alternative to lentils! How long can I store Persian Noodle Soup in the fridge? You can store this cozy soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just remember to reheat it gently on the stove, adding a touch of broth if it thickens too much. The flavors only get better with time, so it can be a lovely meal prep option! Can I freeze Persian Noodle Soup? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months! I recommend freezing the soup without the noodles, as cooked noodles can become mushy during storage. Simply prepare the soup base and legumes, then freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook fresh noodles and add them to the reheated soup! What should I do if my soup is too thick? If you find your soup thickening too much upon cooling, don’t worry! When reheating, simply add more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. You can gradually stir it in until you achieve that creamy, light texture you love. Always taste and adjust the seasoning afterward; a little extra salt or pepper can brighten the flavors right up! Are there any dietary considerations with Ash Reshteh? Very! Ash Reshteh is naturally vegetarian and packed with protein, making it ideal for vegetarians and those wanting a nutritious option. For any allergens, ensure to swap out beans or legumes as needed based on your dietary restrictions. If you’re cooking for your furry friends, avoid ingredients like garlic and onion! Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Of course! If you want a gluten-free option, simply replace the Persian noodles or linguine with gluten-free pasta or even quinoa. The soup’s nourishing flavors will still shine, and you’ll enjoy a hearty bowl that fits your dietary needs! Warm Up with This Hearty Persian Noodle Soup Recipe This flavorful Persian Noodle Soup, or Ash Reshteh, is a nourishing dish filled with legumes and herbs, perfect for chilly nights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 6 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: PersianCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base1 tablespoon Olive Oil can substitute with any neutral oil1 medium Onion diced3 cloves Garlic minced1 teaspoon Turmeric6 cups Vegetable Broth chicken broth for non-vegetarian optionFor the Legumes1 cup Lentils can substitute with black beans1 can Chickpeas cooked1 cup Navy Beans can be replaced with any white bean1 cup Kidney Beans can substitute for red beansFor the Noodles & Greens8 ounces Persian Noodles or Linguine spaghetti can serve as substitute2 cups Spinach chopped1 handful Cilantro chopped1 handful Parsley chopped1 handful Dill choppedFor GarnishingSalt to tastePepper to taste1 cup Sour Cream or Yogurt plant-based yogurt for vegans1 cup Fried Onions for garnish Equipment large pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsHeat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add one diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves along with a teaspoon of turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden.Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth, then add 1 cup of lentils, 1 can of chickpeas, 1 cup of navy beans, and 1 cup of kidney beans. Bring to a lively boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes.Add 8 ounces of Persian noodles or linguine to the pot. Stir gently and cook for another 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.Fold in 2 cups of chopped spinach, along with chopped cilantro, parsley, and dill. Stir and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.Taste and season with salt and pepper. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnishing with sour cream or yogurt and fried onions. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 15gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 20mg NotesRinse lentils before use. Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth or water when reheating. Experiment with greens for variety. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
