Indulge in the warmth and richness of Ash Reshteh, a beloved Persian soup that tantalizes the taste buds and comforts the soul. This hearty concoction boasts a harmonious blend of earthy beans, tender lentils, fragrant herbs, and delicate noodles, all simmered together to perfection. Each spoonful offers a symphony of flavors and textures, with the creamy beans and lentils complementing the freshness of herbs, while the noodles add a delightful chewiness. Whether enjoyed as a wholesome meal on its own or paired with a side of fresh bread, Ash Reshteh is a culinary experience that promises satisfaction with every savory sip.

Ingredients:

  - 1 cup kidney beans, soaked overnight

  - 1/2 cup lentils (green or brown), rinsed

  - 1/2 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight

  - 1/2 cup navy beans, soaked overnight

  - 1 large onion, chopped

  - 4 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1/2 cup chopped spinach

  - 1/2 cup chopped parsley

  - 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

  - 1/2 cup chopped green onions

  - 1/2 cup chopped dill

  - 1/2 cup chopped mint

  - 1/2 cup chopped chives

  - 1/2 cup chopped fenugreek leaves (optional)

  - 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth

  - 2 tablespoons olive oil

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - 1 teaspoon turmeric

  - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

  - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

  - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  - 200g reshteh (Persian noodles) or linguine, broken into smaller pieces

  - 1/2 cup kashk (Persian whey, or substitute with Greek yogurt)

Instructions:

1- Drain and rinse the soaked beans and lentils.

2- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3- Add the soaked beans and lentils to the pot, along with the turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Stir well to coat the beans and lentils with the spices.

4- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, partially covered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans and lentils are tender.

5- While the soup is simmering, prepare the herbs by washing and chopping them finely.

6- Once the beans and lentils are tender, add the chopped herbs (spinach, parsley, cilantro, green onions, dill, mint, chives, and fenugreek leaves) to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7- Add the broken reshteh noodles (or linguine) to the pot, and continue to simmer the soup for another 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through.

8- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

9- To serve, ladle the Ash Reshteh into bowls and drizzle each serving with a spoonful of kashk (or Greek yogurt) for added creaminess and tanginess.

10- Garnish with additional chopped herbs, if desired, and serve hot with a side of fresh bread.

Enjoy your hearty and comforting bowl of Ash Reshteh!

Nutritional Values :

1 Cup Kidney Beans, Soaked Overnight:

 - Calories: About 225 kcal

 - Fat: 0.9g

 - Carbohydrates: 40g

 - Protein: 15g 

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

1/2 Cup Lentils (Green or Brown), Rinsed:

 - Calories: About 115 kcal

 - Fat: 0.4g

 - Carbohydrates: 20g

 - Protein: 9g 

Benefits: Provides protein and fiber, low in fat.

1/2 Cup Chickpeas, Soaked Overnight:

 - Calories: About 135 kcal

 - Fat: 2.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 22g

 - Protein: 7g 

Benefits: Good source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

1/2 Cup Navy Beans, Soaked Overnight:

 - Calories: About 120 kcal

 - Fat: 0.6g

 - Carbohydrates: 22g

 - Protein: 8g 

Benefits: Rich in protein and fiber, supports digestion.

1 Large Onion, Chopped:

 - Calories: About 45 kcal

 - Fat: 0.1g

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and nutrients; rich in antioxidants.

4 Cloves Garlic, Minced:

 - Calories: About 9 kcal per clove

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0.4g 

Benefits: Provides flavor and may have antimicrobial properties.

1/2 Cup Chopped Spinach:

 - Calories: About 10 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: High in vitamins A and C, and iron.

1/2 Cup Chopped Parsley:

 - Calories: About 10 kcal

 - Fat: 0.1g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and is high in vitamins A and C.

1/2 Cup Chopped Cilantro:

 - Calories: About 5 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.5g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and has potential anti-inflammatory properties.

1/2 Cup Chopped Green Onions:

 - Calories: About 15 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 3g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and is rich in antioxidants.

1/2 Cup Chopped Dill:

 - Calories: About 5 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.5g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and has antioxidant properties.

1/2 Cup Chopped Mint

 - Calories: About 5 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.5g 

Benefits: Adds fresh flavor and can aid digestion.

1/2 Cup Chopped Chives:

 - Calories: About 10 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 1g 

 Benefits: Adds flavor and is rich in vitamins A and C.

1/2 Cup Chopped Fenugreek Leaves (Optional):

 - Calories: About 10 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Adds unique flavor and has potential health benefits like improved digestion.

6 Cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth:

 - Calories: About 60 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 4g 

Benefits: Provides flavor and is low in calories.

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil:

 - Calories: About 240 kcal

 - Fat: 28g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds healthy fats and helps in cooking.

Salt and Pepper, to Taste:

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Enhances flavor; use in moderation.

1 Teaspoon Turmeric:

 - Calories: About 9 kcal

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0.3g 

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

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin:

 - Calories: About 8 kcal

 - Fat: 0.4g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.4g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and aids digestion.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Coriander:

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.3g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and has potential anti-inflammatory properties.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon:

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0.1g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0.1g 

Benefits: Adds warmth and may have antioxidant properties.

200g Reshteh (Persian Noodles) or Linguine, Broken into Smaller Pieces:

 - Calories: About 320 kcal (for reshteh or linguine)

 - Fat: 1.5g

 - Carbohydrates: 70g

 - Protein: 8g 

Benefits: Provides carbs and texture to the soup.

1/2 Cup Kashk (Persian Whey) or Greek Yogurt (as a Substitute):

 - Calories: About 80 kcal

 - Fat: 2g

 - Carbohydrates: 5g

 - Protein: 7g 

Benefits: Adds a tangy flavor and protein.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.