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Koshari

The Quirky Foodster Team

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20 min
Prep
45 min
Cook

Ingredients

  • 200 g (1 cup) White rice
  • 150 g (3/4 cup) Brown lentils
  • 150 g (1.5 cups) Small elbow macaroni
  • 400 g (14 oz (1 can)) Crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp White vinegar
  • 2 large Onions, thinly sliced
  • 250 ml (1 cup) Vegetable oil, for frying onions
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 200 g (1.5 cups) Chickpeas, cooked

Method

  1. Cook the rice and lentils together in one pot with double their volume of water for about 20 minutes until
  2. tender.
  3. Cook the macaroni separately in salted boiling water according to package instructions, then drain.
  4. Meanwhile, slice the onions thinly and fry in hot oil in batches until deep golden and crisp; drain on paper
  5. towels.
  6. For the sauce, sauté the garlic in a little of the frying oil, add the crushed tomatoes, cumin and vinegar, and
  7. simmer 15 minutes.
  8. To serve, layer the rice and lentils, macaroni and chickpeas in a bowl.
  9. Ladle the tomato sauce over the top and finish with a generous pile of crispy fried onions.

Introduction: Koshari is widely considered Egypt's national dish: a hearty combination of rice, lentils and pasta topped with spiced tomato sauce and crispy fried onions, born from 19th-century Cairo street food culture blending local and immigrant culinary influences.

Cultural Background: Koshari is widely considered Egypt's national dish: a hearty combination of rice, lentils and pasta topped with spiced tomato sauce and crispy fried onions, born from 19th-century Cairo street food culture blending local and immigrant culinary influences.

Tips: – Frying the onions in batches keeps them crisp rather than steaming each other. Cook the rice and lentils together so their textures complement one another.

Variations: – Some vendors add a garlic-vinegar 'dakka' sauce on the side for extra tang. A dash of chili sauce (shatta) is a common fiery addition. Naturally vegan as written.

Storage: Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the rice, lentils and macaroni gently in a pan or microwave; recrisp onions in a dry pan if needed.

Nutrition: Calories: 520 kcal | Protein: 16 g | Carbs: 88 g | Fat: 13 g | Fiber: 10 g

FAQs:

Q: Is koshari really Egypt's national dish?

A: Yes, it's widely regarded as Egypt's most iconic national dish and is sold everywhere from street carts to restaurants.

Q: Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

A: Yes, cook the rice, lentils, macaroni and sauce ahead and assemble with freshly fried onions just before serving.

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