Persian Spiced Noodle Soup with Savory Meatballs (Ashe Reshteh)
Experience the rich flavors of Persian cuisine with this delightful Ashe Reshteh, a traditional Persian noodle soup. This hearty dish combines tender lentils and black-eyed peas with delicate fine egg noodles, creating a nourishing base. The addition of spiced meatballs elevates its flavor profile, while each bowl is generously garnished with fragrant mint, warming pepper, and creamy cinnamon for a perfect finish. Historically, soups have held a treasured place in Iranian cuisine, symbolizing comfort and togetherness. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, this vibrant soup promises to warm your heart and satisfy your soul.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lentils
1/4 cup (Rinsed)
Dried black-eyed peas
1/4 cup (Rinsed)
Water
4-5 cups (N/A)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
Fine egg noodles
1 cup (N/A)
Chopped parsley
1/2 cup (Fresh, chopped)
Ground beef
1/2 lb (N/A)
Onion
1/3 cup (Finely chopped or grated)
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Fine grind black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Dried mint
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the lentils and black-eyed peas thoroughly under cold running water. In a large kettle, combine the washed lentils, black-eyed peas, 4 to 5 cups of water, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the peas and lentils are almost tender, which will take about 30 to 40 minutes.
2
Once the lentils and peas are nearly done, add the fine egg noodles and chopped parsley to the pot. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the noodles are cooked through and tender.
3
In the meantime, prepare the meatballs by combining the ground beef, finely chopped or grated onions, cinnamon, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized.
4
Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and continue to cook for about 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the noodles are tender.
5
For the final touch, crush the dried mint and combine it with the remaining black pepper and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the soup is ready, ladle it into soup plates or large bowls and sprinkle the spiced mixture over the top. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of Persian Ashe Reshteh!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ashe Reshteh?
Ashe Reshteh is a traditional Persian spiced noodle soup that symbolizes comfort and togetherness in Iranian cuisine.
What type of noodles are used in this soup?
This recipe uses one cup of fine egg noodles.
Which legumes are included in this Persian soup?
The soup contains 1/4 cup of lentils and 1/4 cup of dried black-eyed peas.
How should the lentils and black-eyed peas be prepared?
They should be rinsed thoroughly under cold running water before cooking.
How long do the legumes need to simmer?
They should simmer for approximately 30 to 40 minutes until they are almost tender.
What ingredients are needed for the meatballs?
The meatballs are made from 1/2 lb of ground beef, 1/3 cup of finely chopped or grated onion, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt.
What size should the meatballs be?
The meat mixture should be shaped into 1-inch meatballs.
How long do the meatballs cook in the soup?
The meatballs need to cook in the simmering soup for about 30 minutes.
What spices are used to garnish the soup?
The soup is garnished with a mixture of crushed dried mint, black pepper, and cinnamon.
How much water is required for the soup base?
You will need between 4 to 5 cups of water.
When should the fine egg noodles be added to the pot?
Add the noodles once the lentils and peas are nearly done and have simmered for their initial 30-40 minutes.
Does this recipe include fresh herbs?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of fresh, chopped parsley.
How do you prepare the onion for the meatballs?
The onion should be finely chopped or grated for a smooth meatball texture.
What is the role of dried mint in this recipe?
Dried mint is crushed and combined with pepper and cinnamon to serve as a fragrant garnish.
How much salt is used in the total recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 2 teaspoons of salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons for the soup base and 1/2 teaspoon for the meatballs.
Should the pot be covered while the meatballs cook?
Yes, you should cover the pot while the meatballs simmer for 30 minutes.
What is the texture of the noodles in this dish?
The fine egg noodles are cooked until they are tender and delicate.
Is this soup suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for family gatherings or cozy weeknights.
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of ground beef.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
The recipe specifies fine grind black pepper.
How long do the noodles and parsley simmer together?
They should simmer for about 5 minutes before adding the meatballs.
Is cinnamon used in the meatballs?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon is mixed into the ground beef.
Can the garnish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can combine the dried mint, black pepper, and cinnamon in a small bowl while the soup finishes cooking.
What temperature should the soup be served at?
The soup should be served hot to enjoy its comforting flavors.
How many teaspoons of dried mint are required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of dried mint.
What is the first step in making Ashe Reshteh?
The first step is rinsing the lentils and black-eyed peas thoroughly.
What container should be used for cooking the legumes?
A large kettle is recommended for boiling the legumes and water.
Is this soup considered a hearty meal?
Yes, it is described as a nourishing and hearty base thanks to the combination of legumes, noodles, and meatballs.
What is the significance of soups in Iranian culture?
Soups are treasured in Iranian cuisine as symbols of comfort and togetherness.
How much cinnamon is used as a garnish?
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon is used in the final garnish mixture.