Egyptian Koshari with Lentils and Crispy Onions

Name: Egyptian Koshari with Lentils and Crispy Onions
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 cup brown lentils; 1 cup white rice; 2 cups water; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 onion; 3 cloves garlic; 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper; 200g elbow macaroni; Salt; 2 large onions; 4 tablespoons vegetable oil

A Flavorful Egyptian Comfort Food

A hearty and delicious dish, Koshari combines rice, pasta, and lentils, topped with crispy onions and savory tomato sauce.

1 h 45 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Lentils and Rice

1 cup brown lentils

rinsed

1 cup white rice

rinsed

2 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

For the Tomato Sauce

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 onion

finely chopped

3 cloves garlic

minced

1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Pasta

200g elbow macaroni

Salt

for boiling water

For the Crispy Onions

2 large onions

thinly sliced

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preparation

Marinating the Tomato Sauce

Heat oil

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

Sauté aromatics

Sauté onion and garlic until golden.

Simmer sauce

Add crushed tomatoes, cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Preparing the Lentils and Rice

Combine ingredients

In a pot, combine lentils, rice, water, and salt.

Cook

Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes until tender.

Ensure lentils are cooked but not mushy.

Fluff

Fluff the rice and lentil mixture with a fork.

Adding a bay leaf to the rice and lentil mixture enhances the flavor.

Cooking Process

Cooking the Pasta

Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain.

Frying the Onions

Heat oil over medium-high heat, fry onions until golden brown and crispy. Set aside on paper towels.

Heat: Medium-high

Melding the Flavors

Combine rice, pasta, and lentils in a large serving dish, layer with tomato sauce, and top with crispy onions.

Plating & Serving