Egyptian Koshari (Koshary) recipe

Egypt’s famous street food, made with lentils, rice, pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce topped with crispy onions.

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Authentic Egyptian Koshari Recipe 🇪🇬🍛

🔹 Prep Time: 15 mins
🔹 Cook Time: 45 mins
🔹 Serves: 4-6

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Ingredients

For the Koshari Base:

• 1 cup brown lentils (washed)
• 1 cup short-grain rice (rinsed)
• 1 cup small pasta (like elbow macaroni)
• 1 cup chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained)
• 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cumin

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 can (400g) tomato puree
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Garlic Vinegar Sauce (Dakkah):

• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Lentils

1. In a pot, add the lentils and cover with 3 cups of water.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until tender but not mushy.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. In another pot, heat 1 tbsp oil, add rinsed rice, and stir for 1 minute.
2. Add 2 cups of water, salt, and cumin.
3. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente.
2. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Crispy Onions

1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan, add thinly sliced onions, and fry on medium heat until golden brown and crispy (about 10 minutes).
2. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds.
2. Add tomato puree, cumin, coriander, chili flakes, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until thick.

Step 6: Make the Garlic Vinegar Sauce (Dakkah) (Optional, but recommended)

1. In a small pan, heat a little oil, add garlic, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
2. Cook for 30 seconds, then add vinegar. Remove from heat.

Step 7: Assemble the Koshari

1. In a bowl, layer rice and lentils first.
2. Add pasta and chickpeas on top.
3. Pour over the tomato sauce and drizzle with garlic vinegar sauce (optional).
4. Top with crispy onions and serve!

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Serving Tips

• Serve Koshari with extra tomato sauce and spicy vinegar sauce on the side.
• Some people love it with a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
• It’s best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.