Oshi Burida (Tajik Herb and Chickpea Noodle Soup)
Local name: Оши бурида
In short: Hand-cut noodles, chickpeas and plenty of fresh dill, cilantro and greens in a light vegetable broth, finished with a spoonful of tangy chakka. It takes about 1 h 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 470 kcal
Oshi burida means cut noodle soup, and it is a light, green dish that many Tajik families make each week. Carrots, peppers and chickpeas simmer first, then thin hand-cut noodles go in, followed by a large handful of fresh herbs and greens. A spoonful of chakka, the sour strained yogurt, stirred in at the table brings it all together. People eat it for lunch or when they feel a cold coming on.
Instructions
- Mix the flour, salt and water and knead for 5 minutes into a firm dough. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a large pot and cook the onion, carrots and pepper for 8 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, tomatoes and cumin and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the chickpeas, water and salt, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Roll the dough as thin as you can, about 1 mm, dust with flour, fold loosely and cut into ribbons 5 mm (1/4 in) wide. Shake them loose.
- Add the noodles to the simmering soup and cook for 4 minutes, stirring so they do not clump.
- Stir in the spinach and the herbs and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Ladle into bowls, top each with a spoonful of chakka and black pepper, and serve hot.
Tips
- To use dried chickpeas, soak 150 g (3/4 cup) overnight and simmer in the water for about 1 hour before adding the vegetables.
- If the dough springs back while you roll it, cover it and let it rest for another 10 minutes. It will then roll out thinner without tearing.
Questions and answers
What is chakka and can I substitute it?
Chakka is strained yogurt, thick and sour. Greek yogurt is a good substitute, and a little lemon juice stirred in matches the sourness.
Can I make oshi burida ahead?
Make the soup base up to 3 days ahead. Cook the noodles and add the herbs just before serving so they stay fresh.
Is it vegetarian?
Yes. It contains no meat, fish or eggs. The only dairy is the chakka stirred in at the end.
How long does it take to make Oshi Burida (Tajik Herb and Chickpea Noodle Soup)?
About 1 h 15 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Oshi Burida (Tajik Herb and Chickpea Noodle Soup)?
About 470 kcal per serving, with 17 g of protein, 70 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 470 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 70 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 1250 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
