Koshari (Egyptian Lentil & Rice with Spicy Tomato Sauce)

PIMS 12 August

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.
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.