Aush is a traditional Afghan noodle soup that is both hearty and comforting, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome vegetarian meal. This dish combines tender noodles, a medley of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a rich, flavorful broth that warms the soul with every spoonful.
The beauty of aush lies in its versatility and the balance of textures—from the soft noodles to the crispness of herbs and the slight tang of yogurt or garlic sauce traditionally served alongside. If you’re looking to explore vegetarian recipes that are both nutritious and packed with flavor, this aush recipe is a delightful addition to your kitchen repertoire.
Whether you’re new to Afghan cuisine or a seasoned foodie, this dish promises to impress.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to prepare a delicious vegetarian aush that you can easily make at home. Plus, we’ll share tips to customize it to your taste, ensuring a fulfilling and delightful meal every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian aush recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like beans, lentils, fresh herbs, and noodles, which come together to create a rich and satisfying soup.
You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The spices and herbs add vibrant layers of flavor without overwhelming the palate, delivering a beautifully balanced dish.
Moreover, aush is naturally gluten-friendly if you select the right noodles, and it can be made vegan by swapping out the yogurt garnish. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s budget-friendly, healthy, and incredibly delicious.
If you enjoy recipes that nourish both body and soul, this aush is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried chickpeas or canned chickpeas (if using dried, soak overnight)
- 1 cup dried red lentils
- 200 grams (7 oz) thin flat noodles (like Afghan aushak noodles or linguine)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional garnish: plain yogurt or vegan yogurt, fried onions, dried mint
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Medium saucepan
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, rinse and soak them overnight in plenty of water. The next day, drain and rinse again. Place them in a large pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 1 hour or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the lentils: Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water. In a separate saucepan, add lentils with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are soft but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add spices and tomato: Stir in the turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes to release their flavors. Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking until the tomatoes soften and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the broth and legumes: Pour in the vegetable broth, cooked chickpeas, and lentils. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook the noodles: In a separate pot, cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Add greens and noodles: Stir the chopped spinach, cilantro, and mint into the soup. Then gently fold in the cooked noodles. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to warm everything through and allow the herbs to infuse the broth.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red chili flakes at this stage.
- Serve: Ladle the aush into bowls and garnish with a dollop of plain or vegan yogurt, a sprinkle of fried onions, and a pinch of dried mint for an authentic touch.
Tips & Variations
“For the best flavor, use fresh herbs and homemade broth if possible. If you prefer a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the noodles.”
- Try adding other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
- For a vegan version, use coconut yogurt or cashew cream instead of dairy yogurt.
- If you can’t find thin flat noodles, substitute with any pasta you have on hand, such as fettuccine or linguine.
- To add protein variety, include cooked kidney beans or black beans along with chickpeas and lentils.
- Serve with a side of warm flatbread or try pairing this with Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for a delightful combo.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 bowl) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 50 g |
Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Vitamin A | 30% DV |
Vitamin C | 25% DV |
Iron | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Aush is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pot, garnished with creamy yogurt and fresh herbs. Pair it with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.
For bread lovers, serving aush alongside warm flatbreads or the Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe adds a satisfying chew to your meal.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat after your savory soup, consider trying the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe to round out your dining experience beautifully.
Conclusion
Vegetarian aush is a nourishing, flavorful dish that brings the warmth of Afghan culinary heritage right to your table. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a hearty soup that’s packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant herbs—perfect for any season.
The combination of tender noodles, wholesome legumes, and fragrant spices creates a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
By following this detailed recipe, you can easily recreate this classic dish at home, making it a staple in your vegetarian cooking collection. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing friends with your cooking skills, aush is sure to delight every palate.
Don’t forget to explore more recipes like this and add your own creativity to make it uniquely yours!
📖 Recipe Card: Aush Recipe Vegetarian
Description: Aush is a hearty Afghan noodle soup packed with vegetables and herbs. This vegetarian version is flavorful and comforting, perfect for any season.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup pumpkin, peeled and diced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup kidney beans, cooked
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, cooked
- 1/2 cup wheat or egg noodles
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro and mint for garnish
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add carrots, pumpkin, turmeric, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Add noodles, kidney beans, and chickpeas; simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish with fresh cilantro and mint before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 38 g
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