Spicy Egyptian Koshari with Zesty Hot Sauce

Name: Spicy Egyptian Koshari with Zesty Hot Sauce
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice; 1 cup brown lentils; 1 cup elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cups water; Salt; 2 large onions; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; Vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon vinegar; Salt and pepper; 3 fresh red chillies; 3 tablespoons vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; Pinch of salt

A traditional Egyptian comfort dish with a fiery kick!

Koshari is a delicious and hearty rice and lentil dish, elevated with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions.

1 h 40 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Koshari Base

1 cup basmati rice

rinsed

1 cup brown lentils

soaked for 1 hour

1 cup elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cups water

Salt

to taste

For the Crispy Onions

2 large onions

thinly sliced

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Vegetable oil

for frying

For the Spicy Tomato Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic

minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon vinegar

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Zesty Hot Sauce

3 fresh red chillies

finely chopped

3 tablespoons vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

Pinch of salt

Preparation

Preparing the Koshari Base

Cook the lentils

Cook the lentils in 2 cups of water until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Allow the lentils to cool slightly before mixing with the rice for perfect texture.

Cook the rice

In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil, add the rice and about 1 1/2 cups of water, cover and simmer until fully cooked, about 15 minutes.

Cook the macaroni

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

Making the Crispy Onions

Coat the onions

Toss the sliced onions in flour until evenly coated.

Fry the onions

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the onions until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Ensure oil is hot enough for frying to prevent soggy onions.

Cooking Process

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, lentils, and macaroni until evenly combined.

Use a large spoon to gently stir the rice to keep it fluffy.

Cook the tomato sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan, add garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Cook until fragrant, then stir in the crushed tomatoes, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Simmer on low heat for best flavor.

Prepare the hot sauce

Combine the chopped chillies, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Plating & Serving