How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and perhaps add more chickpeas or lentils for protein.

What can I use instead of basmati rice?

You can substitute jasmine rice or any long-grain rice.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent drying.

Can the dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice and lentil mix a day in advance and assemble just before serving.

Fragrant Egyptian Koshari with Cinnamon Dusted Chicken

Name: Fragrant Egyptian Koshari with Cinnamon Dusted Chicken
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Chicken breasts; Olive oil; Ground cinnamon; Ground cumin; Salt and pepper; Basmati rice; Chickpeas; Brown lentils; Small pasta (like ditalini); Onion; Garlic; Tomato puree; Ground coriander; Ground cumin; Chili powder; Salt and pepper; Chopped parsley; Lemon wedges

A Middle Eastern Delight

A traditional Egyptian dish with aromatic spices and a delightful cinnamon twist, perfect for a hearty meal.

1 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

Chicken breasts

1 lb — cut into strips

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

Ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon

Ground cumin

1 teaspoon

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Koshari Base

Basmati rice

1 cup — rinsed and drained

Chickpeas

1 cup — drained and rinsed

Brown lentils

1 cup — cooked

Small pasta (like ditalini)

1 cup — cooked

Onion

1 large — sliced thinly

Garlic

3 cloves — minced

For the Tomato Sauce

Tomato puree

2 cups

Ground coriander

1 teaspoon

Ground cumin

1 teaspoon

Chili powder

1/4 teaspoon

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Garnish

Chopped parsley

1/4 cup

Lemon wedges

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

Combine marinade ingredients

In a bowl, combine olive oil, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Add chicken strips

Add chicken strips, tossing to coat them evenly in the marinade.

Marinate

Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Preparing the Koshari Base

Cook basmati rice

Cook the basmati rice according to package instructions and set aside.

Fry onions

In a large pan, fry the sliced onions until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.

Sauté garlic and combine

In the same pan, sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add cooked lentils, chickpeas, and pasta. Stir to combine.

Ensure lentils are cooked until tender but not mushy for the ideal texture. Pro Tip: To prevent sticking, add a splash of oil to the pasta water.

Cooking Process

Sautéing the Chicken

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken until done.

Timing: Cooking Chicken: 15 min | Heat Guide: Sautéing Chicken: Medium-High Heat

Making the Tomato Sauce

In a saucepan, heat tomato puree and spices; simmer until the sauce thickens.

Timing: Preparing Sauce: 10 min | Heat Guide: Simmering Sauce: Medium Heat

Combining the Elements

Layer rice, lentil mix, and crispy onions, then top with chicken strips; drizzle with tomato sauce.

Plating & Serving