Dive into the rich culinary heritage of Iran with Aash-e Doogh, a delightful yogurt-based soup bursting with flavors. This traditional Persian dish features a creamy yogurt broth infused with fragrant herbs, hearty chickpeas, and occasionally tender chunks of meat, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Perfectly balancing tanginess with earthy undertones, this comforting soup is a staple in Iranian cuisine, cherished for its nourishing qualities and robust flavors. Whether enjoyed as a warming meal on a chilly day or as a refreshing appetizer, Aash-e Doogh offers a tantalizing culinary journey through Iran's diverse culinary landscape.

Ingredients:

  - 4 cups plain yogurt

  - 4 cups water or broth (vegetable or chicken)

  - 1 cup cooked chickpeas

  - 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill, mint)

  - 1 small onion, finely chopped

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1/2 cup cooked meat (optional, traditionally lamb or beef)

  - 2 tablespoons flour

  - 2 tablespoons oil or butter

  - 1 teaspoon turmeric

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - Lime or lemon wedges for serving

  - Optional garnishes: chopped walnuts, dried mint, or rose petals

Instructions:

1- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.

2- If using meat, add it to the pot and cook until browned.

3- Stir in the flour and turmeric, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

4- Gradually pour in the water or broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

5- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6- In a separate bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth. Gradually add a ladleful of the hot soup mixture to the yogurt, whisking constantly to temper it.

7- Slowly pour the tempered yogurt mixture back into the pot, stirring well to combine.

7- Add the cooked chickpeas and chopped herbs to the soup, and simmer gently for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

9- Serve hot, garnished with chopped walnuts, dried mint, or rose petals if desired. Accompany with lime or lemon wedges for squeezing over the soup before eating.

Enjoy your homemade Aash-e Doogh, a comforting and flavorful Iranian delicacy!

Nutritional Values :

4 Cups Plain Yogurt:

 - Calories: About 300 kcal

 - Fat: 20g

 - Carbohydrates: 20g

 - Protein: 20g 

Benefits: Provides protein, calcium, and probiotics, supporting digestion and bone health.

4 Cups Water or Broth (vegetable or chicken):

 - Calories: 0 kcal (water) / Varies (broth) 

Benefits: Adds moisture and flavor. Broth adds additional nutrients and flavor.

1 Cup Cooked Chickpeas:

 - Calories: About 270 kcal

 - Fat: 4g

 - Carbohydrates: 45g

 - Protein: 15g 

Benefits: High in protein and fiber, supports heart health and digestion.

1/2 Cup Chopped Fresh Herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill, mint):

 - Calories: About 10 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and provides vitamins and antioxidants.

1 Small Onion (finely chopped):

 - Calories: About 40 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 10g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants and vitamins.

2 Cloves Garlic (minced):

 - Calories: About 10 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 3g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Provides flavor and has antimicrobial properties.

1/2 Cup Cooked Meat (optional, traditionally lamb or beef):

 - Calories: About 250 kcal (varies with type of meat)

 - Fat: 20g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 20g 

Benefits: Adds protein and flavor. Optional for a vegetarian version.

2 Tablespoons Flour:

 - Calories: About 60 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 14g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Used as a thickening agent for the soup.

2 Tablespoons Oil or Butter:

 - Calories: About 240 kcal (oil)

 - Fat: 28g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds richness to the soup. Use oil for a lighter option, or butter for added flavor.

1 Teaspoon Turmeric:

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Lime or Lemon Wedges (for serving):

 - Calories: About 5 kcal per wedge

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds a tangy flavor that complements the soup.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands, cooking methods, and ingredient variations.