Cuisine : Koshari : how to prepare this egyptian dish

 

Koshari (or Koshary) is a traditional Egyptian dish made from rice, lentils, pasta, and a spicy tomato sauce. It is typically garnished with chickpeas and crispy fried onions. Here's a detailed recipe for preparing Koshari:

### Ingredients

#### For the Rice and Lentils

- 1 cup white rice

- 1 cup brown lentils

- 2 cups water

- 1 tbsp vegetable oil

- Salt to taste

#### For the Pasta

- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)

- Water for boiling

- Salt to taste

#### For the Tomato Sauce

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 4 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp ground coriander

- 1/2 tsp ground paprika

- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 tbsp vinegar

#### For the Crispy Onions

- 2 large onions, thinly sliced

- 1 cup flour

- Vegetable oil for frying

- Salt to taste

#### For the Garnish

- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

### Instructions

#### Prepare the Rice and Lentils

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and place them in a pot. Add water to cover the lentils by about an inch, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender but not mushy, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. In a separate pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the rice and stir to coat with oil. Add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until the rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 15-18 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

#### Prepare the Pasta

1. Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

#### Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in the tomato sauce, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Add the vinegar, stir well, and adjust seasoning to taste.

#### Prepare the Crispy Onions

1. Toss the thinly sliced onions in flour until well coated.

2. In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the onions in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.

#### Assemble the Koshari

1. In a large serving dish, layer the rice, lentils, and pasta.

2. Top with the spicy tomato sauce.

3. Garnish with chickpeas, crispy fried onions, and fresh parsley if desired.

### Serving

Serve the Koshari warm with additional tomato sauce and crispy onions on the side. It's a hearty, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side.

Enjoy your homemade Koshari!