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
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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.
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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.
-
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
