3 Persian Soups

In Episode #12, co-hosts Bita and Beata explore 3 iconic Persian soups - Ash Reshteh | Persian Noodle and Bean Soup, Ab Ghosht | Persian Meat Stew, and Soup eh Jo | Creamy Persian Barley Soup

Ash Reshteh | Persian Noodle and Bean Soup

• What is it? Translation: ash means soup in Farsi; reshteh means noodles in Farsi

- a nutritious, filling, vegetarian, cleansing soup

• Main ingredients: beans, herbs, and flat noodles

Break down of Main ingredients

• Beans - a combination of any of the following: garbanzo beans/chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, white beans, black-eyed peas - cook from dry form or use canned, rinsed beans

• Noodles - a flat noodle (reshteh, Persian noodles can be found in middle eastern/Persian markets or ordered online); linguine noodles or fettuccine noodles are comparable
• Herbs - fresh is best however dried is an option - a combination of any of the following: cilantro/coriander, parsley, dill
• Spinach - fresh is best, however frozen is a good substitute
• Spices - spices vary region to region and family to family. Traditionally made with essences of onion, garlic, turmeric, and salt. Beata adds a little cinnamon to her ash

Preparation steps

• Fry onions and garlic with spices
• Add herbs for a quick wilt
• Add broth or water and cooked beans
• Add noodles and spinach last

Recipe variations - adding beets and/or leeks

Toppings and Mix-ins

• Kashk - a thick, strained yogurt that tastes salty and sour
• Plain yogurt
• Modern variations - adding ranch dressing; adding balsamic vinegar

• Special topping - fried, sliced onions sauteed with garlic, turmeric, and dried mint - modern twist, use freeze-dried, packed fried onions

Ask the Beats! Today's question is from Instagram, "Little Persian Learning"

"Is it traditional that the meat is well-done in Persian food?"

Yes - traditionally the meat in Persian stews is simmered for hours stove-top and often in a pressure cooker. The result is tender, well-done meat. Kabab meat is also typically well done, charbroiled while keeping juiciness - fattier meats are used or fats/oils are added as marinades to retain tenderness.

Note: poultry cook times should be adjusted (less time for fish and chicken substitutes in recipes).

Recipe links from this episode:

• Ash Reshteh:
• • Bita's Ash Reshteh: Aash Reshteh | Persian Noodle Soup
  • Beata's recipe: Asheh Reshteh – Persian Noodle Soup
• Ab goosht variation:
• • Bita's Vegan Instant Pot Moroccan Stew recipe
• Soup eh Joe:
• • Bita's recipe: Instant Pot Persian Cream of Barley Soup | Soup eh Joe

Podcast production by Alvarez Audio