Persian Noodle Soup Recipes

ASH-E RESHTEH (PERSIAN LEGUME SOUP)

Steps:

• Place the chickpeas and kidney beans into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let stand 8 hours to overnight.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; stir in red onion. Cook and stir until onion has turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low; continue cooking and stirring until onion is tender and golden brown, about 40 minutes more. Stir in dried mint; cook until onions become dark brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Set aside for garnish.
• Heat remaining olive oil in a stock pot; stir in yellow onions. Cook and stir until onion has turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chickpeas, kidney beans, and turmeric; toss to combine. Stir in vegetable stock; simmer soup for 1 hour.
• Stir parsley, cilantro, mint, scallions, and lentils into soup; simmer 30 minutes more. Break linguine into 3 sections, stir into soup, and cook at a low boil until noodles are soft, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Stir 1/2 of the spinach to the soup until wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in remaining spinach and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir flour with 3 tablespoons of the soup liquid together in a small bowl until smooth. Stir flour mixture back into soup. Continue to simmer soup over low heat, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 30 minutes.
• Serve soup with yogurt and fried red onions.

PERSIAN NOODLE SOUP WITH MEATBALLS (ASHE RESHTE)

Steps:

• Wash lentils and black eyed peas; combine in a large kettle with water and salt. Simmer until almost tender, about 30 to 40 minutes. Add noodles and parsley.
• Make meatballs by mixing beef, onion, cinnamon, pepper, and salt. Blend well. Shape into 1-inch meatballs. Drop into simmering soup and cook for about 30 more minutes, or until meatballs are done and noodles tender. Crush the dried mint and combine with pepper and cinnamon. Ladle soup into soup plates or large bowls and sprinkle with the mixed spices. Makes 6 servings.
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