Koshari Recipe

Koshari (also spelled Kushari or Koshary) is a traditional Egyptian dish that combines rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy onions. It's a delightful mix of textures and flavors, and is popular as a street food. Here's how you can make Koshari at home:

Ingredients

For the Koshari:

• 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup medium grain rice, rinsed
• 1 cup elbow pasta (or any small pasta)
• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes (about 14 oz)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Vinegar
• Hot sauce
• Additional crispy fried onions

Instructions

1. Cook the Lentils:

   • In a medium pot, add the lentils and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender (about 20-25 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Rice and Pasta:

   • In another pot, cook the rice according to package instructions.
   • In a separate pot, boil the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Fry the Onions:

   • Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced onions and fry until they are crispy and brown. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain.

4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer for about 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

5. Assemble the Koshari:

   • In a large serving dish, combine the cooked lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas.
   • Mix well, ensuring an even distribution of all ingredients.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the Koshari topped with the spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions.
   • Offer vinegar and hot sauce on the side for those who prefer an extra kick.

Koshari is a filling and nutritious dish, perfect for a hearty meal. Enjoy your homemade Egyptian Koshari!