Koshari
Koshari, Egypt’s beloved street food, is a hearty and flavorful fusion of textures and tastes that will delight your palate. This comforting dish combines fluffy white rice, tender lentils, and soft macaroni, all generously layered with a zesty tomato sauce infused with garlic, cumin, and chili flakes for a bold kick. Crispy fried onions and protein-rich chickpeas add crunch and richness to every bite, making it a well-rounded meal. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, koshari is a budget-friendly vegetarian recipe that's both filling and satisfying. Experience the essence of Egyptian cuisine with this crowd-pleasing classic, ready in just over an hour.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 cup small macaroni
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 cups canned tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chickpeas, canned and rinsed
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the lentils and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 25 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
In another saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the rice with a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes or until rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the tomato puree to the skillet. Stir in cumin, coriander, chili flakes, the remaining salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.
In a separate skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and fry the sliced onions until they are golden brown and crispy. This will take about 10 minutes. Drain the onions on paper towels.
In a large serving bowl, mix the cooked rice, lentils, and macaroni together.
Top the mixture with the spicy tomato sauce, followed by a generous layer of crispy onions.
Scatter chickpeas on top for added texture and protein.
Serve koshari warm and enjoy this comforting Egyptian classic.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2100 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.0 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5267 mg | 229% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 376.5 g | 137% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 50.4 g | 180% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.1 g | ||
| Protein | 77.6 g | 155% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 481 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 22.5 mg | 125% | |
| Potassium | 4599 mg | 98% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
