Background:
Hailing from the vibrant street food scene of Egypt, Koshari is a popular and hearty vegetarian dish that is a true taste of the country's rich culinary heritage. This dish is a flavorful combination of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas, topped with a spiced tomato sauce and crispy onions. It's a staple comfort food in Egyptian homes and can be found in bustling food stalls throughout the country.
The mix of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors in Koshari makes it a truly unique and satisfying meal that is loved by locals and visitors alike. The ingredients are simple yet the layering of different textures and flavors creates a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 cup pasta
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the rice, lentils, and pasta separately according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and fry the onions until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- To assemble the Koshari, layer the rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, tomato sauce, and crispy onions in a serving dish.
- Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and flavorful Egyptian dish!