Egyptian Koshari

Meet Koshari — Egypt’s iconic national dish and the ultimate comfort bowl. This hearty, satisfying mix of rice, lentils, and pasta is topped with a spiced tomato sauce and mountains of crispy fried onions. It’s vegan, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• An incredibly satisfying, hearty meal that’s completely plant-based
• Layers of contrasting textures — rice, lentils, crispy onions, and tangy tomato sauce
• Budget-friendly pantry staples create something truly spectacular
• Egypt’s beloved national dish that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 2 large onions
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 3 tbsp white vinegar
• salt
• fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the lentils: Cook brown lentils in salted water for 20 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the rice and pasta: Cook rice according to package directions. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, drain and set aside.
3. Make the tomato sauce: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and fry, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until deeply golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
4. Fry the onions: In a saucepan, sauté garlic in a little oil for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, cumin, coriander, chili flakes, and vinegar. Simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt.
5. Make the dakka sauce: To serve: Layer rice and lentils in a bowl, top with macaroni, ladle tomato sauce over the top, and finish with a generous heap of crispy onions.
6. Assemble and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

• Crispy onions are non-negotiable: Take the time to fry the onions until they’re deeply golden and crispy — they’re the crowning glory of Koshari and add essential sweetness and crunch.
• Layer your sauces: Serve the tomato sauce and vinegar-garlic dakka sauce on the side so everyone can customize their bowl to taste.
• Cook components separately: Each element — rice, lentils, pasta, and sauce — should be cooked separately for the best texture, then layered together at serving time.

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