Authentic Egyptian Koshari Recipe – Egypt’s Beloved Comfort Food

Koshari (or Kushari) is Egypt’s national dish, a unique and comforting combination of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas, all topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. Originally a street food, koshari has become a beloved staple in Egyptian households. With its layers of flavors and textures, this vegetarian dish is both hearty and satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll see why koshari is adored by so many!

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Number of Servings: 6

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Fat: 8g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Ingredients List

For the Koshari Base:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup brown or green lentils
• 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
• 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• Salt, to taste
• Water, for cooking

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can tomato puree (15 oz)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp white or apple cider vinegar

For the Crispy Onions:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Detailed Method of Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Lentils and Rice

1. Cook the Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water. Place them in a pot with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20–25 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a separate pot, combine the rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta and Chickpeas

1. Cook the Pasta: In another pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Warm the Chickpeas: If you prefer warm chickpeas, rinse and heat them in a small saucepan over medium heat with a pinch of salt. Alternatively, you can serve them at room temperature.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Tomato Sauce

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the tomato puree, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld. Stir in the vinegar at the end for a touch of acidity. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Make the Crispy Fried Onions

1. Dredge the Onions: Place the sliced onions in a bowl, sprinkle with flour, and toss to coat. This will help them crisp up in the oil.
2. Fry the Onions: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the dredged onions in small batches, frying until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5–7 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the onions to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Set aside for topping.

Step 5: Assemble the Koshari

1. Layer the Ingredients: In each serving bowl, layer a portion of rice, followed by lentils, pasta, and chickpeas.
2. Top with Sauce and Onions: Spoon the spicy tomato sauce generously over the layers, then top with a handful of crispy fried onions.
3. Serve: Serve hot, with extra sauce and onions on the side if desired.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Soak the Onions Before Frying: For even crispier fried onions, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before dredging in flour.
• Make the Sauce Ahead: The tomato sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
• Add a Spicy Kick: If you love spicy food, add a little extra crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce for a fiery kick.
• Customize the Layers: Koshari is a versatile dish, so feel free to adjust the proportions of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas to suit your taste.
• Extra Vinegar for Tang: Traditionally, koshari is served with a splash of vinegar on top, adding a tangy flavor. Offer extra vinegar on the side for guests to drizzle as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make koshari gluten-free?
A: Yes, to make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta and substitute chickpea flour or cornstarch for dredging the onions before frying.

Q: Can I make koshari in advance?
A: Yes, koshari is perfect for meal prep. You can make the rice, lentils, pasta, and tomato sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat each component before assembling and serving.

Q: Is koshari vegan?
A: Yes, this koshari recipe is completely vegan as it contains no animal products. It’s a satisfying, plant-based meal that’s perfect for vegan diets.

Q: How can I make koshari oil-free?
A: For an oil-free version, skip the fried onions and use caramelized onions instead. You can sauté them in a non-stick pan until golden. For the tomato sauce, you can use a bit of vegetable broth to sauté the onions and garlic.

Q: What can I serve with koshari?
A: Koshari is often enjoyed as a stand-alone dish, but you can serve it with a side of pita bread, a simple cucumber and tomato salad, or a tangy cucumber yogurt sauce for extra flavor.

Koshari is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that embodies the heart and soul of Egyptian cuisine. This authentic vegan koshari recipe brings the traditional taste of Egypt right to your kitchen, with its fragrant spices, rich tomato sauce, and crispy onions. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dish to warm you up or a hearty vegan meal to share with family and friends, koshari is sure to impress. Enjoy this iconic dish and experience the flavors of Egypt in every bite!