Ashe Reshte (noodle Soup)
Ashe Reshte (Noodle Soup) Recipe from Persia with Beef, Black-Eyed Peas, Lentils, and Spices
Introduction
Ashe Reshte, a traditional Persian noodle soup, is a hearty and comforting dish that has been warming hearts and homes for centuries. This rich and flavorful soup combines the goodness of lentils, noodles, and meatballs, seasoned with a unique blend of spices, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a nutritious dish to share with family and friends, Ashe Reshte is sure to delight your taste buds and nourish your soul.
History
The origins of Ashe Reshte can be traced back to ancient Persia, where it was a staple in the diet of both the rich and the poor. Over the years, this dish has evolved, with each region adding its own twist to the recipe. Traditionally served during the Persian New Year (Nowruz) and other special occasions, Ashe Reshte symbolizes warmth, prosperity, and the strength of familial bonds. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its delicious taste and the rich cultural heritage it represents.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Place the meat in a bowl.
- Combine grated onions and seasoning, mix well, and shape into meatballs the size of walnuts.
- Pour water into a 3 qt (2.84 liter) pot.
- Add salt and black-eyed peas, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add meatballs, lentils, noodles, pepper, and parsley. Simmer over medium heat for approximately 35 minutes.
- Crush dried mint in your palms until it becomes powdery.
- Mix in cinnamon and pepper with the mint.
- Add this mixture to the soup just before removing it from the heat.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground beef and add more lentils or chickpeas for protein.
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or hot pepper to the spice mix for an extra kick.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt into the soup just before serving for a creamier texture.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To ensure your Ashe Reshte turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:
- Rinse the lentils and black-eyed peas thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
- Soak the lentils and black-eyed peas for a few hours before cooking to reduce cooking time and enhance their digestibility.
- Gently form the meatballs to prevent them from becoming too dense.
- Add the noodles towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, but be mindful of the balance of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Ashe Reshte can be served with a side of flatbread or rice and garnished with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream. Fresh herbs, such as parsley or coriander, can also be sprinkled on top for added flavor and color.
Cooking Techniques
The key to a successful Ashe Reshte lies in the slow simmering of the soup, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Be sure to keep the heat on medium-low to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Ingredient Substitutions
If black-eyed peas are not available, you can use chickpeas or kidney beans as a substitute.
- Rice noodles can be used instead of traditional wheat noodles for a gluten-free version.
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Make Ahead Tips
Ashe Reshte can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors often deepen and become more pronounced after a day, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Ashe Reshte in a deep, colorful bowl, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of paprika or sumac for a touch of color and added flavor. A side of lemon wedges can also enhance the dish's brightness.
Pairing Recommendations
Ashe Reshte pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green salad dressed with a lemony vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. For wine enthusiasts, a light-bodied red wine or a dry white wine complements the flavors of the dish beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm the soup over medium heat on the stove, adding a little water if necessary to adjust the consistency.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A serving of Ashe Reshte contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a nourishing and satisfying meal that can fit into a balanced diet.
Carbohydrates
Ashe Reshte is a good source of carbohydrates, primarily from lentils, noodles, and black-eyed peas. These ingredients provide the body with energy and are essential for brain function. A single serving of Ashe Reshte contains approximately 45-55 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
The fat content in Ashe Reshte mainly comes from the ground beef used in the meatballs. However, since the recipe calls for a relatively small amount of meat, the overall fat content is moderate. A serving of Ashe Reshte contains about 10-15 grams of fat, depending on the fat content of the beef used.
Proteins
Ashe Reshte is a protein-rich dish, thanks to the combination of ground beef, lentils, and black-eyed peas. These ingredients provide a complete protein profile, making it an excellent meal option for vegetarians if the meat is omitted. A serving of Ashe Reshte contains approximately 20-25 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, and B vitamins, which come from the lentils, black-eyed peas, and parsley. These nutrients support overall health, including blood health, muscle function, and energy metabolism.
Alergens
Ashe Reshte contains gluten due to the noodles and may not be suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Additionally, those with legume allergies should exercise caution due to the presence of lentils and black-eyed peas.
Summary
Overall, Ashe Reshte is a balanced and nutritious dish, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a wholesome meal that supports a healthy diet.
Summary
Ashe Reshte is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of culture, tradition, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. With its rich flavors, nutritious ingredients, and comforting warmth, it's a timeless recipe that continues to bring people together, one bowl at a time. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with your own variations, Ashe Reshte is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.
How did I get this recipe?
I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Ashe Reshte. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Iran. My mother had invited some of our relatives over for dinner, and she wanted to make a special dish to impress them. She had heard about this traditional Persian noodle soup from a friend and decided to give it a try.
I remember watching in awe as my mother gathered all the ingredients for the Ashe Reshte. She started by boiling a large pot of water and adding in some chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of the simmering soup, and I could hardly contain my excitement as I watched her add in the herbs and spices that would give the dish its unique flavor.
As the soup continued to cook, my mother began to prepare the noodles. She rolled out the dough and cut it into thin strips, then boiled them until they were tender. Finally, she added the noodles to the pot of soup, along with some fresh spinach and herbs.
I watched as my mother stirred the soup, her face glowing with pride at the delicious aroma that filled the kitchen. She ladled out steaming bowls of Ashe Reshte for our guests, who all exclaimed over how delicious it was. I knew then that I wanted to learn how to make this dish, so I could share it with my own family someday.
Over the years, I have made Ashe Reshte many times, each time adding my own touch to the recipe. I have experimented with different herbs and spices, trying to find the perfect balance of flavors. I have also shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down this cherished tradition to the next generation.
One of the most memorable times I made Ashe Reshte was when my own grandchildren came to visit. They had never tasted Persian food before, and I was excited to introduce them to this special dish. As I cooked, I told them the story of how I learned to make Ashe Reshte, and they listened with rapt attention.
When the soup was finally ready, I served it to my grandchildren, watching as their faces lit up with delight. They savored each spoonful, exclaiming over the rich flavors and comforting warmth of the dish. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had passed down this recipe to another generation, keeping our family's culinary traditions alive.
As I sit here now, reflecting on all the memories I have of making Ashe Reshte, I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that have been passed down to me. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my heritage and share a piece of my culture with others. I hope that one day, my grandchildren will carry on this tradition, making Ashe Reshte for their own families and passing down the recipe to future generations.
In the meantime, I will continue to cook this beloved dish, filling my home with the delicious aroma of simmering soup and creating new memories with each batch I make. Ashe Reshte will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the love and connection that food can bring to our lives.
Categories
| Beef Recipes | Black-eyed Pea Recipes | Lentil Recipes | Mint Recipes | Persian Recipes | Persian Soups | Soup Recipes |