Egyptian Koshari Delight
Egyptian Koshari Delight is a hearty, nutritious vegetarian dish that brings together the flavors of Egypt in a delightful medley of rice, lentils, and pasta. This beloved street food dish, commonly served in bustling markets and homes across Egypt, is known for its ability to please a crowd while being budget-friendly. The foundation of this dish lies in its nutritious ingredients, which are combined to create a satisfying meal. Topped with a rich, spiced tomato sauce and optional chili flakes for a kick, it captures the spirit of Egyptian cuisine. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or looking for a filling weeknight dinner, this Koshari will leave everyone asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown lentils
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
basmati rice
1 cup (rinsed)
uncooked small pasta
1 cup (shells or elbow macaroni)
large onions
2 (diced)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
canned chopped tomatoes
400 g (drained)
crushed red chili pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large pot, add the brown lentils and just over a liter of salted water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-30 minutes until the lentils are tender. Check occasionally to ensure they don’t become mushy.
2
Once the lentils are nearly tender, stir in the basmati rice. Continue simmering, adding more water if necessary, until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed all the liquid, approximately 15 minutes.
3
While the lentils and rice cook, bring another pot of salted water to a boil and cook the small pasta according to package instructions. When done, drain and set aside.
4
In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, frying until the onions are golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
5
Next, add the chopped tomatoes, crushed red chili pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce bubble gently for 10-20 minutes until it thickens and becomes rich in flavor.
6
For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer to a food processor and blitz until you achieve your desired consistency. Alternatively, keep the sauce chunky for added texture.
7
In a large serving bowl, combine the lentil-rice mixture and the cooked pasta, mixing gently until evenly combined.
8
To serve, plate a generous portion of the lentil, rice, and pasta mixture and top with the delicious tomato sauce. Optionally, sprinkle with additional chili powder or salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Egyptian Koshari Delight?
Egyptian Koshari Delight is a hearty, nutritious vegetarian dish and beloved street food from Egypt that features a medley of rice, lentils, and pasta topped with a spiced tomato sauce.
Is Egyptian Koshari vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is a completely vegetarian meal that is both filling and nutritious.
What are the main ingredients in Koshari?
The primary ingredients include brown lentils, basmati rice, small pasta, onions, garlic, and a tomato-based sauce.
What type of lentils should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of brown lentils, rinsed and drained.
How long do the lentils need to cook?
The lentils should simmer for 15-30 minutes until they are tender but not mushy.
What kind of rice is recommended for Koshari?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of rinsed basmati rice.
When do I add the rice to the pot?
Stir in the basmati rice once the lentils are nearly tender and continue simmering for approximately 15 minutes.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Small pasta varieties like shells or elbow macaroni are ideal for Koshari.
Should the pasta be cooked with the rice and lentils?
No, the pasta should be cooked separately in salted water according to the package instructions and then drained.
How are the onions prepared for the topping?
Two large onions should be diced and fried in oil with minced garlic until they are golden brown.
How much garlic is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves to be fried with the onions.
What is the base of the Koshari sauce?
The sauce is made from 400g of drained canned chopped tomatoes combined with fried onions, garlic, and spices.
How do I make the Koshari sauce spicy?
You can add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red chili pepper flakes, or more to taste, to the tomato sauce.
Can I make the tomato sauce smooth?
Yes, you can use an immersion blender or food processor to blitz the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer?
Let the sauce bubble gently for 10-20 minutes until it thickens and the flavors develop.
How do I assemble the final dish?
Gently mix the cooked lentil-rice mixture with the cooked pasta in a large bowl before plating and topping with sauce.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, Koshari is known for being an economical and budget-friendly dish that uses staple pantry ingredients.
Is Koshari a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is a nutritious and healthy dish full of fiber and protein from lentils and grains.
Can I serve this for a large crowd?
Absolutely, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for family gatherings or hosting guests.
What should I do if the rice is too dry while cooking?
You can add a little more water if necessary to ensure the rice is cooked through and fully absorbed.
What seasoning is used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and crushed red chili pepper flakes.
Should the lentils be rinsed before cooking?
Yes, the brown lentils should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pot.
How much oil is used for frying the onions?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of oil for frying the onions and garlic.
What is the total count of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients in this Egyptian Koshari recipe.
What texture should the lentils have?
The lentils should be tender; it is important to check them occasionally to ensure they do not become mushy.
Is Koshari served hot or cold?
Koshari is typically served hot as a main course meal.
Can I add more chili powder at the end?
Yes, you can optionally sprinkle additional chili powder, salt, or pepper to taste when serving.
What category of dish is Koshari?
It is categorized as an Egyptian vegetarian dish and is often compared to a hearty stew or grain bowl.
Can I leave the sauce chunky?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can keep the sauce chunky for added texture if you prefer.
What is the best way to cook the onions?
Fry the diced onions and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they reach a golden brown color.