Persian Minestrone

Eastern Mediterranean meets Italy in this warm, comforting meal. Hailing from Persia, Ash-e reshteh is a thick, hearty soup made with beans, herbs, and flat noodles. Combine this flavor profile with minestrone, bringing distinct flavor traditions together in a celebration of the best of both worlds.

Ingredients

Procedure

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in large Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add half of the onions; cook and stir until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, thinly slice 6 cloves of the garlic. Add to skillet with 1 teaspoon of the mint, turmeric, sea salt, and pepper; cook and stir until garlic is softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Add beans, broth and water; bring to boil. Add half of the parsley and basil; reduce heat to medium and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
4. Increase heat to medium-high and return to boil. Add pasta; cook until pasta is al dente, about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in spinach, remaining parsley and basil. Cook until spinach has wilted, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
5. Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in large non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Add remaining onions; cook and stir 7 minutes or just until they begin to get crispy.
6. Meanwhile, thinly slice remaining 2 cloves garlic. Add to skillet with remaining 2 teaspoons mint. Cook until garlic is golden brown and slightly crispy, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
7. Ladle soup into serving bowls. Top with labneh and the crispy onion mixture.