Egyptian Koshari

Egyptian Koshari Recipe

Koshari is Egypt’s ultimate comfort food, a delicious and hearty dish that combines lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas, all topped with a flavorful tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. This beloved street food dates back to the 19th century and represents Egypt’s diverse culinary influences. Affordable, filling, and packed with flavor, Koshari is a must-try for anyone exploring Egyptian cuisine. Whether enjoyed at a local eatery or made at home, its unique blend of textures and spices makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Ingredients

For the Koshari Base:

  • 2 cups Egyptian rice
  • 1 cup brown lentils
  • 1 cup small pasta (elbow or ditalini)
  • 1/2 cup vermicelli
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying onions)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking rice)
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Spiced Tomato Sauce:

  • 2 cups tomato sauce (or blended fresh tomatoes)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Garlic Chili Sauce (Dakka):

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Salt to taste

 

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lentils

  1. Rinse the brown lentils under cold water.
  2. In a pot, add the lentils with 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the lentils are cooked but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

  1. In a pot, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
  2. Add the vermicelli and stir until golden brown.
  3. Add the rice, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Stir to coat the rice in the oil.
  4. Pour in 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

  1. In a separate pot, boil the pasta in salted water until al dente.
  2. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Fry the Onions

  1. Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions and fry until deep golden brown and crispy. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Save the onion-infused oil for extra flavor.

Step 5: Make the Spiced Tomato Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add the tomato sauce, vinegar, sugar, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Chili Sauce (Dakka)

  1. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, vinegar, chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and water.
  2. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

 

Step 7: Assemble the Koshari

  1. In a large serving dish, layer the rice and vermicelli mixture.
  2. Add the cooked lentils and mix gently.
  3. Add the cooked pasta on top.
  4. Pour the spiced tomato sauce generously over the koshari.
  5. Top with crispy fried onions.
  6. Serve with a side of garlic chili sauce (Dakka) for an extra kick.

Enjoy your homemade Egyptian Koshari! 😍🍛