Ash-e-jo (Mixed Herb Soup with Barley)

April 6, 2023

Ash-e-Jo is a wholesome mixed herb soup with barley. This dish is a staple in Iranian cuisine, and its warm and comforting flavours will satisfy your taste buds.

Ash-e-jo is made with a variety of nutritious ingredients, including pearl barley, rice, parsley, dill, green onion, and chives. These ingredients are brought together with the help of vegetable broth, water, turmeric, and dried mint. The result is a delicious and aromatic soup perfect for any occasion.

What sets Ash-e-jo apart is the care and attention that goes into its preparation. Each ingredient is finely chopped and carefully cooked to create unique flavours and textures. And with a touch of lemon juice, salt, and pepper, the soup is transformed into a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

So, whether you want to warm up on a cold winter day or crave a wholesome and nutritious meal, Ash-e-jo is a perfect choice. This dish is a true testament to the rich and diverse flavours of Persian cuisine, and I am sure you will love it as much as I do.

Basic Ingredients for Ash-e-jo (Mixed Herb Soup with Barley)

Mixed Herb Soup with Barley:

Pearl Barley: This nutritious grain is high in fibre and helps to thicken the soup. It also adds a slightly nutty flavour and chewy texture.

Rice: Another staple ingredient in Persian cuisine, rice adds a soft and fluffy texture to the soup.

Flat-leaf Parsley: This herb is known for its fresh, bright flavour and is an excellent source of vitamin C.

Onion: Onions are a key ingredient in many Persian dishes, and in Ash-e-jo, they add a sweet and savoury flavour.

Dill: This fragrant herb adds a distinctive flavour to the soup and is also known for its many health benefits, including its ability to aid digestion.

Green Onion or Chives: These flavorful ingredients add a slightly oniony flavour and a bit of crunch to the soup.

Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and other ingredients, vegetable oil adds a subtle richness to the soup.

Dried Mint: This fragrant herb adds a fresh, cooling flavour to the soup and is often used in Persian cuisine.

Vegetable Broth: This flavorful liquid is the base of the soup and helps to bring all ingredients together.

Water: Used with the broth, water helps thin out the soup to the desired consistency.

Turmeric: This bright yellow spice adds a warm and earthy flavour to the soup and is known for its many health benefits.

Lemon: The juice of lemon adds a bright, tangy flavour to the soup and helps to balance out the other flavours.

Pepper: A bit of black pepper adds a touch of heat and depth to the soup.

Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the flavours of all the other ingredients and helps balance the soup’s flavours.

alternative ingredients

Instead of pearl barley, you could use another grain such as oats, bulgur or farro.

Preparation Tips for Ash-e-jo (Mixed Herb Soup with Barley)

Make sure to finely chop all your ingredients so that they cook evenly and the flavours meld together.
Soak your pearl barley for an hour, ideally 6 to 8 hours, so that they cook faster.

Serving Tips for Ash-e-jo (Mixed Herb Soup with Barley)

Ash-e-jo is traditionally served with a dollop of thick yoghurt on top and some flatbread on the side.
You could also garnish the soup with extra chopped herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or some crushed nuts for texture.
Serve the soup hot, and enjoy it as a hearty main dish or starter.

storage tips

Ash-e-jo can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
When reheating the soup, you may need to add a bit of water or broth to thin it out since the grains tend to absorb liquid as they sit.

Ash-e-jo (Mixed Herb Soup with Barley)