National Dish Iran: Ash Reshteh (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Ash Reshteh, one of Iran’s best-loved soups and a true celebration of Persian hospitality. This hearty, nourishing bowl brings together fresh herbs, a medley of beans and thick reshteh noodles for a dish that is as comforting as it is flavourful. Traditionally finished with a swirl of yoghurt and a scatter of golden fried onions, it is perfect for cold days or festive gatherings where good food is meant to be shared with family and friends.
About Ash Reshteh
Ash Reshteh is one of the most popular soups in Iran and has earned its place as a national favourite. The combination of fresh herbs, mixed beans and thick reshteh noodles makes it not only nourishing but also wonderfully satisfying. It is traditionally served with yoghurt and fried onions, which lend the soup a distinctive richness and depth. This is an ideal dish for cold days or special occasions, as it lends itself perfectly to sharing with friends and family around a generous table.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100 g reshteh noodles (or other thick noodles)
- 200 g mixed beans (e.g. chickpeas, kidney beans)
- 100 g green lentils
- 1 large onion
- 200 g fresh herbs (e.g. parsley, coriander, spinach)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 200 g yoghurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for Ash Reshteh are available in most well-stocked supermarkets or at your local weekly market. Speciality beans and fresh herbs may be easier to find in Asian or Middle Eastern grocers. Do take care to choose good-quality reshteh noodles, as these give the soup its unique character and texture. Fresh herbs are especially important for bringing out the authentic, vibrant flavours of this Persian classic.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin cooking Ash Reshteh, wash and prepare all of the ingredients thoroughly. The beans need to be soaked in water beforehand to shorten their cooking time. The onion should be finely chopped and the herbs roughly cut. These simple steps pave the way for a delicious, well-balanced dish that comes together smoothly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring the soaked beans to the boil in a pan with 1.5 litres of water.
- Add the lentils and let everything simmer for 30 minutes.
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the onion to the beans and lentils in the pan.
- Stir in the reshteh noodles and simmer for a further 15 minutes.
- Mix the fresh herbs and seasonings into the soup.
- Before serving, garnish with yoghurt and fried onions.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
To adapt Ash Reshteh for a gluten-free or lactose-free diet, you can use gluten-free noodles in place of the traditional reshteh noodles. For a lactose-free option, simply replace the yoghurt with a plant-based yoghurt or a plant-based sauce. These adjustments let you enjoy the dish without sacrificing any of its flavour, keeping Ash Reshteh a light and wholesome choice for everyone at the table.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Ash Reshteh is already a vegetarian soup, and it can just as easily be made vegan. Simply swap the yoghurt for a plant-based yoghurt. Fermented soya products are often a good choice for achieving that desired creamy note. Be sure to use vegetable stock rather than beef stock to keep the dish entirely plant-based. That way you can enjoy Ash Reshteh completely free of animal products, much like a herb-packed Kuku Sabzi.
More tips and tricks
To take the flavour of Ash Reshteh even further, experiment with different herb combinations. Dill, mint or fennel can make wonderful additions and give the soup a fresh new twist. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving also brings brightness and lifts the aromas beautifully. Remember that every region in Iran has its own version of this dish, so do not be afraid to get creative and make it your own.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The beauty of Ash Reshteh is how readily it can be tailored to personal preference. Add diced vegetables such as carrots or peppers, for instance, to work in extra nutrients. Or experiment with different types of beans to vary the flavour, taking care to choose ones with a similar cooking time. In this way you can create your very own version of Ash Reshteh, exactly to your liking.
Ingredient substitutions
If you happen to be missing an ingredient, there are always alternatives to consider. Instead of reshteh noodles you could use pasta or rice noodles. For the beans, tinned varieties make a quick, convenient substitute that speeds up the preparation. Different herbs can also be chosen according to what is available and what you prefer — the main thing is that the flavours harmonise. The same generous use of fresh greens defines the classic Ghormeh Sabzi.
Drink pairing ideas
Ash Reshteh pairs beautifully with a refreshing Iranian mint tea or a soothing herbal tea, letting you savour the full flavour experience. A glass of sparkling water also works splendidly to complement the soup’s rich, herby notes. For special occasions you might serve a glass of dry wine to bring a festive touch to the meal. These drinks round off this heart-warming dish and turn every meal into a memorable event.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can make all the difference to how Ash Reshteh is enjoyed. Serve the soup in attractive bowls and garnish with a dollop of yoghurt and a scatter of fried onions. Fresh herbs as a topping bring not only colour but also whet the appetite. Using traditional, handmade bowls adds an extra layer of cultural charm to your dish and honours the spirit of Iranian cuisine.
A bit of history
Ash Reshteh has a long history and is deeply rooted in Iranian culture. It is thought that this dish was already being prepared in ancient Persia, and it stands as a symbol of Iranian hospitality. The soup is often made for celebrations and religious occasions, as it brings people together and warms both body and soul. Food connects us all, and with Ash Reshteh you bring a touch of Persian tradition to your own table.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Ash Reshteh
Ash Reshteh is more than just a soup — it is a symbol of Iranian hospitality and a genuine explosion of flavour. With its combination of fresh herbs, beans and noodles, it offers a nourishing option that suits cold days and festive occasions alike. Whether you try the traditional version or a modified variation, Ash Reshteh is sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy a taste of Iranian culture and let its warm, comforting aromas win you over.
