2025 GLOW Multicultural Cooking Class - Persian Cuisine

Ash Reshteh - Vegetarian

Rohiyeh and her husband Shar arrived in New Zealand in 1988 with their 9 month old daughter. Their second daughter was born in New Zealand and they recently welcomed their first grandchild into the family. Rohiyeh worked as a nurse aid in Christchurch for many years and Shar is an electrical engineer.

Rohiyeh still cooks food from Iran if she can get the ingredients. Most of the ingredients are available here but if not they can be ordered online and usually come from either Auckland or Sydney.

Ash Reshteh, also known and pronounced in farsi as 'Ash e Reshteh' is the perfect Persian comfort food. It's a hearty Persian Noodle Soup that is full of nutrients, protein and fibre. It's a staple in Persian cuisine.

Ash Reshteh is traditionally eaten on Persian New Year, called "Nowruz". It's celebrated around 20 March every year which is on the spring equinox. Iranians all around the world will be eating a bowl of this magnificent soup at the same time, which makes it very special. Ash Reshteh is a soup with a range of different green herbs and plenty of spinach. Layered with a combination of beans, legumes and noodles in a thick creamy broth. Ash Reshteh is served with a magic ingredient kashk, which is simply liquid whey from fermented yogurt and has a tangy unique flavour. If kashk can't be found, it can be substituted with thick Greek yogurt or sour cream. It's a forgiving soup so you can use the herbs and legumes you have on hand.

Join Rohiyeh for a fun night learning how to make this delicious Persian delicacy.