Ash Reshteh is one of the most beloved and traditional dishes of Iranian cuisine. Rich, hearty, and full of flavor, this thick noodle soup combines slow-cooked legumes, fragrant herbs, tangy whey (kashk), and aromatic fried mint to create a dish that’s perfect for cold winter days, Iftar meals, or even festive gatherings.
If you’re a fan of bold Middle Eastern flavors, Ash Reshteh is sure to surprise you with its depth and warmth. Interestingly, this dish is also featured among the 23must-try Persian foods for an Arabian taste, thanks to its unique use of spices and silky, rich texture that offers a delightful culinary experience—familiar yet distinctively Persian.
In the sections below, we’ll walk you through the essential ingredients and key tips for making an authentic Ash Reshteh at home, so you can easily prepare and enjoy this iconic Persian dish right in your own kitchen.
Ash Reshteh Ingredients: What You Need to Prepare This Traditional Dish
To properly follow an ash reshteh recipe, it’s essential to understand the key ingredients involved. The unique combination of legumes, herbs, and flavorful toppings is what gives this dish its authentic identity.
Ingredients:
- Chickpeas: ½ cup
- Pinto beans: ½ cup
- Lentils: ½ cup
- Ash herbs (chives, parsley, cilantro, spinach): approx. 1 kg
- Ash noodles (Reshteh): 250 g
- Onions: 2 large
- Garlic: 4 cloves
- Dried mint: 2 tablespoons
- Pasteurized Kashk (fermented whey): as desired
- Salt, black pepper, turmeric: to taste
- Cooking oil: as needed
Step-by-Step Ash Reshteh Recipe: From Start to Finish
To create an authentic, flavorful Persian ash reshteh, each step must be followed with care. Every phase in this ash reshteh recipe plays an important role, and attention to detail can significantly influence the final flavor. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you cook this traditional Persian soup from scratch.
1. Soaking and Cooking the Legumes
Soak the chickpeas, pinto beans, and lentils overnight in cold water. It’s recommended to change the water a few times to reduce bloating and enhance digestion. Then cook the chickpeas and beans in a separate pot of water without salt. In any traditional ash reshteh recipe, it is emphasized that salt should not be added during this stage, as it can prevent the legumes from softening. Once partially cooked, add the lentils so that all legumes finish cooking simultaneously.
2. Preparing Golden Caramelized Onions
Thinly slice the onions evenly and fry them in a generous amount of oil until they become deeply golden and fragrant. The better the onions are caramelized, the richer the flavor of your ash. Set aside half of the fried onions for garnish. Most authentic ash reshteh recipe variations stress the importance of this step for flavor development.
3. Making Fragrant Mint and Garlic Oil
In a small pan, heat a few spoons of oil, sauté the chopped garlic over low heat until lightly golden, then quickly add the dried mint and keep on heat for only 5–10 seconds. Immediately turn off the heat and stir. Be cautious not to burn the mint—it turns bitter very easily. This step is a secret behind the signature aroma in many traditional versions of ash reshteh recipe.
4. Combining the Legumes and Fresh Herbs
Transfer the cooked legumes to a large pot. Add the chopped herbs (chives, parsley, cilantro, and spinach). Allow this mix to gently simmer for 30–40 minutes on low heat until everything is well combined. This step not only enhances the flavor but also gives the ash a vibrant color and desirable consistency. It’s one of the most critical steps in the ash reshteh recipe.
5. Adding the Ash Noodles (Reshteh)
At this stage in the ash reshteh recipe, gently add the noodles to the pot and stir carefully with a spatula to avoid breaking them. These noodles thicken the dish while adding a unique flavor. Stir regularly after adding them to prevent sticking. This step usually takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
6. Mixing in the Kashk and Final Seasoning
If you’re using pasteurized kashk, you can mix it directly into the ash. For homemade kashk, be sure to boil it first to prevent curdling. Once added, taste the ash and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or turmeric as needed. According to traditional ash reshteh recipe guidelines, this stage is essential for achieving a well-balanced flavor.
7. Serving and Final Garnish
Serve the ash in a deep bowl and decorate the surface with the reserved fried onions, garlic-mint oil, and a few spoonfuls of kashk. Not only does this final touch enhance the presentation, but it also offers multiple layers of taste in each bite. In most authentic ash reshteh recipe versions, this final garnish reflects the cook’s personal flair and creativity.
Golden Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Ash Reshteh Recipe
To take your ash reshteh recipe to the next level and make it even more delicious and professional, keep these expert tips in mind:
- No need for flour: The noodles alone give the dish its signature thickness and texture when cooked properly with herbs and legumes.
- Add fried onions during legume cooking: This infuses the ash with rich, caramelized flavor.
- Sauté mint with precision: Dried mint burns easily. A few seconds on low heat is enough.
- Boil local (non-pasteurized) kashk: If unboiled, it may separate and give your ash an unpleasant texture.
- Add salt at the end: Ash noodles already contain salt. Also, early salting can toughen the legumes.
- Add lentils last: They cook faster than chickpeas and beans, so adding them later helps preserve their texture.
- Optional flavor boosters: Add a pinch of saffron or a dash of ground dried lime for a Middle Eastern twist.
Conclusion:
In the end, a true ash reshteh recipe is more than just a cooking guide—it’s a cultural experience rooted in Persian tradition. With a bit of patience, quality ingredients, and attention to detail, this comforting soup can become one of the most memorable and flavorful dishes you’ll serve.
Using fresh and premium-quality legumes, vibrant ash herbs, traditional noodles, rich kashk, and aromatic oils all contribute significantly to the final taste. Don’t underestimate the power of good timing and careful layering when following your ash reshteh recipe—it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.
If you’re looking to purchase high-quality ingredients quickly and easily, we recommend visiting Faraz Hypermarket’s online store. Their food section offers everything you need for your ash reshteh, including fresh legumes, authentic ash noodles, pasteurized or traditional kashk, and pre-washed ash herb packs—all in one convenient place.
🛒 For a hassle-free and trusted shopping experience, visit the Faraz Hypermarket grocery section and gather all the essentials for your homemade ash reshteh recipe in just a few clicks.
Cook ash reshteh, enjoy every bite, and share the warmth of Persian tradition with your loved ones.
