Koshari (Egyptian Lentil & Rice with Spicy Tomato Sauce)

 

Here's a traditional Egyptian Koshari recipe—a hearty, comforting, and flavorful street food classic made from humble ingredients like rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas, topped with crispy onions and a spicy tomato-garlic sauce.

Ingredients

For the base:

• 1 cup rice (short or medium-grain)
• 1 cup brown or green lentils
• 1½ cups elbow macaroni or small pasta
• 1½ cups cooked chickpeas (or canned, rinsed)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste

For the tomato sauce:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato puree or blended tomatoes
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the crispy onions:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional spicy garlic vinegar sauce (da’ah):

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• ½ cup water
• Salt to taste
  

  Instructions

  1. Cook the lentils:

  • Rinse lentils well and place in a pot with water.
  • Boil for about 20–25 minutes until just tender (not mushy).
  • Drain and set aside.

  2. Cook the rice:

  • In a pot, heat 2 tbsp oil, add rinsed rice, and stir for a minute.
  • Add 2 cups water, a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
  • Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes or until cooked.

  3. Boil the pasta:

  • In salted water, cook macaroni until al dente.
  • Drain and set aside.

  4. Prepare the tomato sauce:

  • Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan, sauté onion until soft.
  • Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Stir in tomato puree, vinegar, cumin, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
  • Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.

  5. Fry the onions:

  • Heat oil in a frying pan.
  • Add the thinly sliced onions and fry until golden brown and crispy.
  • Drain on paper towels.

  6. (Optional) Make da’ah:

  • Heat a little oil, add garlic and sauté briefly.
  • Add vinegar, water, cumin, chili, and salt.
  • Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

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  Assemble the Koshari:

  In each serving bowl:

  1. Layer rice at the bottom.
  2. Add a spoonful of lentils, then macaroni.
  3. Top with chickpeas.
  4. Pour over the tomato sauce.
  5. Add crispy onions on top.
  6. Drizzle with optional da’ah if desired.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Tips:

• You can prep each component ahead of time and assemble when ready to serve.
• The crispy onions are key to the flavor—don’t skip them!
• Add more chili if you like it spicier.