Authentic Koshari Recipe – Egypt’s Ultimate Comfort Food
Savor the vibrant flavors of Egypt with this classic Koshari, a comforting mix of rice, lentils, and pasta topped with spicy tomato sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍚 Filling & Nutritious – A wholesome meal packed with protein and carbs.
🍅 Flavorful Sauce – Rich tomato sauce with spices elevates every bite.
🥗 Vegetarian-Friendly – A delicious plant-based option for everyone.
⏳ Easy to Make – Enjoy this traditional dish in under an hour!
What Is Koshari?
Koshari is a beloved Egyptian dish made from a hearty blend of rice, lentils, macaroni, and topped with a zesty tomato sauce, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions. It’s often referred to as Egypt's national dish and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Ingredients
For the Koshari:
✅ 1 cup rice
✅ 1 cup brown lentils
✅ 1 cup small pasta (like elbow macaroni)
✅ 1 onion (finely chopped)
✅ 3 cloves garlic (minced)
✅ 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
✅ 2 tbsp vegetable oil
✅ 1 tsp cumin
✅ 1 tsp salt
✅ 1/2 tsp black pepper
✅ 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Tomato Sauce:
✅ 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
✅ 1 tbsp vegetable oil
✅ 1 onion (finely chopped)
✅ 3 cloves garlic (minced)
✅ 1 tsp cumin
✅ 1 tsp coriander
✅ 1 tsp salt
✅ 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
✅ Crispy fried onions
✅ Chopped parsley
HOW TO MAKE KOSHARI (STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE)
🔸 Cook the Lentils
Rinse lentils and cook in boiling salted water for about 20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
🔸 Prepare the Rice
In a separate pot, cook rice according to package instructions. Set aside once fluffy.
🔸 Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
🔸 Make the Tomato Sauce
In a saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent. Add crushed tomatoes, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
🔸 Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooked lentils, rice, and pasta. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
🔸 Serve & Enjoy
Layer the rice-lentil-pasta mixture on a plate, top with tomato sauce, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
🍽️ As a Main Dish – Hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal.
🍋 With Lemon Wedges – A squeeze of lemon adds freshness.
🌿 With Salad – Pair with a refreshing side salad for balance.
Pro Tips for the Best Koshari
✔️ Use Brown Lentils – They hold their shape better than other varieties.
✔️ Crispy Onions – Fry onions until golden brown for the best texture.
✔️ Adjust Spices – Feel free to add more or less spice to suit your taste.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
🔹 Can I Make Koshari Ahead of Time?
Yes! It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats well.
🔹 Can I Freeze Koshari?
Yes, you can freeze it without the crispy onions. Add them fresh when serving.
🔹 What Can I Substitute for Lentils?
You can use split peas or quinoa for a different texture.
Final Thoughts 🍽️
Koshari proves that comfort food doesn't need meat to shine. With its layers of texture and flavor, it’s a complete meal in a bowl. Whether you're vegan or just in the mood for something new, Koshari will hit the spot!
Want More?
Exploring Egypt flavors? Dive into our Egypt Recipes and find more treasures like Koshari!
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