NOODLES FOR A NEW YEAR

We always had Noruz parties growing up, but never had ash resteh at any of them. Maybe it’s because my father hates noodles and pastas of all varieties? I don’t know, but I do know we didn’t have it. Consequently, my first ash reshteh was one I cooked myself when I was nearly 30 years old, on a hot plate in a small efficiency studio apartment in Wanchai, Hong Kong, and it was incredible.

Ash reshteh is herbaceous. It is vegetarian. It is hearty and filling, but not at all heavy. It has noodles! And is topped with crispy fried onions! What’s not to love? And now I make it every year for Noruz and plenty of other times as well. Speaking of which, a leftover bowl beckons…