Traditional Afghan Aush Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200g of Persian noodles
  • 400g of red kidney beans
  • 400g of chickpeas
  • 400g of lentils
  • 400g of meat (beef or lamb)
  • 2 onions
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons of dried mint
  • 2 tablespoons of dried dill
  • 2 tablespoons of dried coriander
  • 1 tablespoon of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1 handful of fresh coriander
  • 1 handful of fresh parsley
  • 1 handful of fresh spinach
  • 1 handful of fresh leeks
  • 1 handful of fresh chives
  • 2 liters of water
  • 4 tablespoons of oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the beans, chickpeas, and lentils in water overnight.
  2. Chop the onions and garlic. Sauté them in a pan with oil until the onions become translucent.
  3. Add the meat to the pan and cook until it turns brown.
  4. Add turmeric, dried mint, dried dill, dried coriander, black pepper, and salt. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes.
  5. Drain the beans, chickpeas, and lentils. Add them to the pan along with 2 liters of water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about an hour.
  7. Chop the fresh coriander, parsley, spinach, leeks, and chives. Add them to the pan.
  8. Add the Persian noodles. Stir well and let it simmer for another 30 minutes.
  9. Check the soup. If the beans, chickpeas, lentils, and noodles are all cooked, the soup is ready. If not, let it simmer for a little longer.
  10. Once the soup is ready, serve it hot.

Tools for making

  • Pot - A large pot to cook the soup.
  • Pan - A frying pan to sauté onions and garlic.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for chopping vegetables and meat.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board to safely chop ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon - A wooden spoon for stirring and mixing the ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons for precise measurement of spices.
  • Soup Ladle - A ladle for serving the soup.
  • Bowls - Bowls for serving the Aush.
  • Spoons - Spoons for eating the Aush.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian/Vegan Option:
    • Omit the meat entirely and use vegetable broth instead of water.
    • Add more vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
    • Consider adding tofu or tempeh for a protein boost.
  • Gluten-Free Option:
    • Replace the Persian noodles with gluten-free noodles or gluten-free pasta.
    • Ensure all other ingredients and seasonings are gluten-free.
  • Spicy Variation:
    • Add chili powder or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
    • Serve the dish with a side of hot sauce or chili paste for those who prefer extra heat.
  • Herb Substitution:
    • Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil to customize the flavor profile.
    • Consider using fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant taste.
  • Customized Toppings:
    • Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan on top before serving.
    • Add a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream for a creamy element.
    • Garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil for added freshness.

Recipe overview

Aush is a hearty, flavorful soup originating from Iran. This comforting dish is filled with a mix of delicious ingredients - Persian noodles, a variety of legumes, meat, and a burst of greens. Cooking this soup will envelop your kitchen with the rich aroma of herbs and spices, a testament to the flavorful outcome. This recipe makes enough to serve a crowd, or provides plenty of leftovers to warm up for an easy, satisfying meal. Expect a savory, hearty bowl of soup that's perfect for any season, filled with the nourishing goodness of proteins and greens. Experiment with this traditional Iranian dish and bring a foreign flavor to your dining table.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of noodles for Aush? Yes, you can use different types of noodles such as egg noodles or pasta if Persian noodles are not available.
  2. Can I substitute the meat with a vegetarian option? Absolutely! You can omit the meat or replace it with tofu, seitan, or your preferred plant-based protein.
  3. Is it necessary to soak the beans, chickpeas, and lentils overnight? Yes, soaking them overnight helps to reduce the cooking time and improve their texture. However, if you're short on time, you can use canned beans and skip the soaking process.
  4. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs? Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs. Just keep in mind that the quantities may vary. Generally, you will need a larger amount of fresh herbs compared to dried herbs.
  5. Can I make Aush in advance? Yes, Aush can be made in advance. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld together. Store the soup in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.
  6. Can I freeze the leftover Aush? Yes, you can freeze the leftover Aush. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Aush hails from the diverse and ancient culinary tradition of Persia, now Iran. This hearty soup has been warming the hearts and homes of Iranians for centuries, typically served during the cold winter months. Its rich combination of legumes, herbs, and noodles reflects Iran's agricultural bounty and culinary creativity. Interestingly, the word "Aush" in Farsi means "tears", which doesn't refer to the emotional reaction to the soup, but rather to the slow, tear-like drips into the pot when adding in the ingredients, symbolizing the care and patience required to prepare this traditional dish. The true magic of Aush, much like the culture it comes from, lies in its soulful synthesis of simple ingredients into an inviting bowl of comfort.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.