Looking for a hearty Afghan dish that brings warmth, tradition, and bold flavor to your table?
Afghani Aash might be just what you’re craving.
This dish is one of Afghanistan’s most beloved meals. It’s served at family gatherings, special occasions, and during cold evenings. It blends soft noodles, a rich tomato-bean broth, tangy yogurt sauce, and flavorful meatballs called kofta.
You don’t have to be an expert cook to make this. You just need a few ingredients, a little patience, and a love for homemade comfort food.

What Is Afghani Aash?
Afghani Aash is a noodle soup with chickpeas, kidney beans, tomato sauce, and garlic. It’s topped with a yogurt-based garlic sauce and meatballs. It’s not spicy, but it’s full of deep flavor.
You get layers of taste in every bite:
- Soft noodles soaked in tomato broth
- Creamy, garlicky yogurt sauce
- Tender kofta meatballs
- Hints of turmeric and fresh herbs
Have you ever had a dish that felt like a hug in a bowl?
That’s Aash.

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Tips to Make It Even Better
- Use fresh garlic. It adds more punch than pre-minced.
- Let the meatballs rest after forming. This helps them hold shape.
- Don’t overcook the noodles. They should stay soft but not mushy.
- Taste the broth before adding salt at the end.
Tune in to a quick video on making this tasty Recipe
Common Questions
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Just skip the kofta and add extra beans or sautéed mushrooms.
Can I freeze it?
You can freeze the broth and meatballs. But don’t freeze noodles, they get soggy. Add fresh ones before serving.
What if I can’t find Qoroot yogurt?
Use plain, unsweetened yogurt. Mix it with a bit of water to thin it.
How long does it last in the fridge?
The broth and meatballs stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. Store yogurt sauce separately.
Equipment needed to make Afghani Aash
Afghani Aash: A Comforting Afghan Dish You Can Make at Home
Cuisine: Afghan4
servings30
minutes40
minutesLooking for a hearty Afghan dish that brings warmth, tradition, and bold flavor to your table?
Afghani Aash might be just what you’re craving. #afghniaash
Ingredients
For the Kofta (Meatballs)
•t4 onions (minced)
•t3 garlic cloves (minced)
•t1 green pepper (minced)
•t1 cup parsley (chopped)
•t½ kg ground meat (beef or lamb)
•t1 tablespoon salt
•t1 tablespoon black pepper
•t1 tablespoon coriander powder
•t1 egg
•t½ cup cooking oil (for the sauce)
•t5 extra onions (for the sauce)
•t1 cup tomato sauce
•t3 cups water
For the Afghani Aash
•t½ cup cooking oil
•t3 garlic cloves (minced)
•t1 tablespoon turmeric powder
•t5 tablespoons tomato sauce
•t1 cup canned or boiled chickpeas
•t1 cup canned or boiled kidney beans
•t1 tablespoon salt
•t1 tablespoon black pepper
•t2 cups noodles (Afghan-style or egg noodles)
For the Yogurt Sauce (Qoroot)
•t1 cup water
•t4 tablespoons yogurt (preferably Afghan-style or Qoroot)
•t3 garlic cloves (minced)
Directions
- Step 1: Make the Kofta
- In a large bowl, combine the minced onions, garlic, green pepper, parsley, meat, salt, black pepper, coriander powder, and egg.
- Mix until well blended.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs.
- Set aside on a flat plate.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a pot, heat oil on medium.
- Add the extra minced onions and cook until golden yellow.
- Add tomato sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens and the water is gone.
- Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
- Add the meatballs and let them simmer for 15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Step 2: Make the Aash Base
- In another pot, heat oil and fry minced garlic until golden.
- Add turmeric and stir for a few seconds.
- Add tomato sauce and cook until the water evaporates.
- Add chickpeas and kidney beans with water. Let it boil for a few minutes.
- Add salt, pepper, and noodles.
- Boil for 10 to 15 minutes until noodles are soft.
- Step 3: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix water with yogurt.
- Add minced garlic and mix well.
- This sauce brings the dish together. It adds a cooling, tangy layer that balances the rich tomato broth.
- Serve Afghani Aash
- Scoop the noodle-bean mix into a bowl.
- Add a few meatballs on top.
- Pour yogurt sauce over it.
- Sprinkle with dried mint (optional).
Recipe Video
Did you try this recipe?
Share your thoughts or ask a question in the comments below.
Try Afghanistan’s national dish next: Kabuli Pulao Recipe
