Egyptian Koshari
Egyptian Koshari is a popular street food in Egypt that combines lentils, rice, pasta, and a tangy tomato sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. This dish has a unique mix of flavors and textures that will surely tantalize your taste buds.
This hearty and satisfying dish has humble beginnings, originating in the 19th century as a budget-friendly meal for Cairo's working class. Over time, it has evolved into a beloved comfort food enjoyed by people of all walks of life in Egypt.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of brown lentils
- 1 cup of medium-grain rice
- 1 cup of elbow pasta
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil
Instructions:
- Rinse the lentils and place them in a pot with 2 cups of water. Cook until tender, then set aside.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a separate pan, sauté the onions until caramelized. Remove half of the onions and set aside for garnish.
- Add the garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili powder to the remaining onions in the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes to make the sauce.
- To serve, layer the lentils, rice, and pasta in a bowl. Top with the tomato sauce, caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Enjoy this delightful and flavorful Egyptian Koshari with your family and friends. It's a dish that truly represents the heart and soul of Egyptian cuisine!