Persian noodle soup

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
3largesOnions, peeled and thinly sliced
3tablespoonsOil
2teaspoonsSalt
½teaspoonFreshly ground black pepper
1teaspoonTurmeric
10cupsWater
¼cupDried red kidney beans, washed and soaked in cold water for 2 hours and drained
¼cupDried navy beans
¼cupDried chickpeas
½cupLentils
½cupBeef broth, preferably homemade
½cupCoarsely chopped fresh chives or scallions
½cupChopped fresh dill
½cupCoarsely chopped fresh parsley
6cupsSpinach, washed and chopped OR
3cupsFrozen spinach, chopped
1Fresh beet, peeled and diced in 1/2\" pieces
½poundsPersian noodles (reshteh) OR
½poundsLinguine noodles
1tablespoonAll-purpose flour
1cupLiquid whey (kashk) OR
¼cupWine vinegar

Directions

Brown the onions in 3 tablespoons oil in a large pot. Add 2 teaspoons salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ½ teaspoon turmeric. Pour in 10 cups water and add kidney beans, navy beans and chickpeas; bring to boil, skim the froth as it forms, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes over medium heat.

Add lentils and beef broth. Cook 55 minutes longer.

Add chopped chives or scallions, dill, parsley, spinach and beet.

Continue cooking, stirring from time to time, for 1-½ hours or until the beans are tender. Correct seasoning and add water if the soup is too thick.

Add noodles and flour and cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the liquid whey (or vinegar) and mix well.

Pour the soup into a tureen and serve.