Simple and Delicious Persian Lentil and Noodle Soup Recipe (Ash Reshteh Style) + Photos

According to Saednews, This hearty and traditional Iranian soup is known as Ash-e Adas va Reshteh. It originates from Kurdistan Province and is prepared in various ways across different cities in the region using simple, nutritious ingredients. Below is a clean, step-by-step guide to making it.

Ingredients

• 100–150 g soup herbs (parsley, cilantro, leek)

• 1½ cups lentils

• As needed soup noodles (reshteh)

• 1 large onion

• 1–2 tablespoons tomato paste

• A pinch of ground cumin

• Black and red pepper, as needed

• 2 tablespoons dried mint

• Salt and turmeric, as needed

• 3 large cloves garlic

Cooking Instructions

Start by finely chopping the onion and frying it in a pot until golden. Add the chopped garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.

Next, add the tomato paste along with the spices and cook for a short time to remove the raw taste. Then add the pre-soaked lentils and stir them briefly with the mixture. Pour in water until it reaches about half the pot and let the lentils cook until they begin to soften.

Add the chopped herbs and allow them to cook well. Once the mixture is well combined and simmering, add the soup noodles. Let everything cook together until the soup thickens and the flavors blend. If needed, add some boiling water, but avoid making the soup too watery or too thick.

Finally, fry the dried mint for a few seconds and pour it over the soup before serving.

Nutritional Benefits of Lentils

Lentils are highly nutritious and rich in iron, calcium, and fiber. Regular consumption of lentil soup may support digestive health, help manage blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of anemia, and contribute to lower blood pressure.

They are also beneficial for heart health, weight management, and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Because lentils contain iron and folic acid, they are especially important for women and children as part of a balanced diet.