Aush (آش (aush))
Overview
Aush is an Afghan noodle soup served in winter and when someone has a cold, and it is also popular at family gatherings. Flat noodles are cooked in a tomato broth with kidney beans, chickpeas and sometimes spinach. A spiced beef mince sauce, flavoured with onion, garlic and coriander, is spooned on top, along with chaka, a thick strained yogurt mixed with garlic. Dried mint and chilli are sprinkled over the bowl. The combination of tangy yogurt, savoury meat and noodles makes it filling and warming.
History
Aush is related to the noodle soups known as ash in Iran and Central Asia, reflecting Afghanistan's place on old trade routes. Afghan families often make it during cold months and for guests. Restaurants run by Afghan communities abroad have also made it better known. Recipes vary between regions and households, and some cooks add spinach or other greens to the tomato broth.
Main ingredients
Noodles, beef mince, kidney beans, chickpeas, yogurt (chaka), dried mint. The soup is built on tomato broth and is usually served hot. Diet: contains meat; not usually gluten-free.
Recipe outline serves 4 · ~90 min
Ingredients
- 300 g flat noodles
- 300 g beef mince, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves
- 200 g cooked kidney beans and chickpeas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 300 g strained yogurt with garlic
- dried mint, chilli
Allergens: Contains: Gluten, Milk. Based on the typical recipe. Recipes and products vary; always check labels if you have an allergy.
Method
- Fry the mince with onion, garlic and spices into a thick sauce.
- Make a broth with tomato paste and water, add the beans and chickpeas and the noodles and cook until tender.
- Stir some yogurt into the soup.
- Serve topped with mince sauce, more yogurt, dried mint and chilli.
Sources
Description, history and recipe written by SoupWiki and checked against the sources above. Calories and times are rough estimates.