Aush is a popular dish in Afghanistan and other nearby places, and it’s perfect for when you want something comforting and full of flavor. It’s like a big warm hug in a bowl!
Picture this, noodles, veggies, a bit of garlic, and a dash of dried mint, all swimming in a tasty broth. It’s not just tasty; it’s pretty healthy too because it’s packed with all the good stuff like spinach, lentils, and chickpeas.
And guess what? You can make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. You can even invite friends over and have an Aush party where everyone can customize their bowls.
Origin and History:
Aush has been enjoyed for a long time in Afghanistan and neighboring countries. It’s part of their rich food culture. People have been making it for generations as a tasty and filling dish.
What Does It Mean:
Aush (also spelled Ash) basically means “soup.” It’s a warm and comforting soup that’s perfect for cold days.
What It Consists Of:
Aush is like a veggie party in a bowl. It has a mix of ingredients like:
- Noodles: Usually flat wheat noodles, but you can use any kind you like.
- Veggies: Think spinach, leeks, carrots, and sometimes even potatoes.
- Legumes: These are like little protein-packed friends. Chickpeas and lentils are common ones.
- Herbs and Spices: Mint, cilantro, garlic, and other seasonings make it tasty.
- Yogurt: Some people like to add yogurt or a yogurt-based sauce on top.
So, let’s dive into making this awesome Aush soup together. It’s easy, and it’s going to make your taste buds do a happy dance. Let’s get cooking!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a basic Afghan Aush soup. Remember, there are many variations of Aush, so that you can customize it to your liking, but this is a simple version to get you started.
Recipe: Making a basic Afghan Aush soup
Course: MainCuisine: Afghan, PersianDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes40
minutes300
kcalFeel free to get creative with this recipe. You can add or omit ingredients to suit your taste. Some people also like to garnish it with a squeeze of lemon juice or serve it with flatbread on the side. Have fun experimenting and savoring this hearty and comforting dish!
Ingredients
1 cup flat wheat noodles
1 cup chopped spinach
1/2 cup chopped leeks (or green onions)
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (canned is fine)
1/4 cup red lentils
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon dried mint
Salt and pepper to taste
6 cups water or vegetable broth
Yogurt for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the flat wheat noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
- Cook the Lentils: In a separate pot, cook the red lentils in water until they’re soft and mushy. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set them aside.
- Sauté the Veggies:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped leeks (or green onions) and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it wilts.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried mint, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Add Water or Broth: Pour in the 6 cups of water or vegetable broth. If you’re using water, you might want to add a vegetable bouillon cube for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Combine Noodles and Lentils: Add the cooked lentils and flat wheat noodles to the pot. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or dried mint according to your taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the Aush into bowls. You can top it with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of dried mint for extra flavor if you like. You can also serve it with the famous Afghani Naan or Kabuli Naan if that’s not too heavy for you.
- Enjoy:
- Aush is best served hot. Enjoy your homemade Afghan Aush soup!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Aush can be a bit like a DIY party. You can put out the toppings and let everyone build their own bowl with the stuff they like.
Nutrition Values:
Aush is pretty healthy! It’s full of veggies, so you get vitamins and fiber. Plus, the legumes and noodles give you energy. The yogurt on top adds some creamy goodness.
How It Can Be Served:
You can enjoy Aush in a few ways:
- Hot: It’s great as a warm soup on a chilly day.
- Toppings: Add yogurt, some more fresh herbs, and maybe a sprinkle of dried mint for extra flavor.
- With Bread: It’s awesome with Afghan flatbread or any crusty bread on the side. You can dip it in your Aush!