Koshary is a popular Egyptian dish that has become a staple street food and a beloved comfort food in Egypt. It is a satisfying combination of rice, lentils, pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with caramelized onions and served with a tangy garlic vinegar sauce.
Ingredients
.1 cup white rice
.1 cup brown lentils
.1 cup short pasta (such as macaroni or penne)
.2 large onions, thinly sliced
.4 cloves of garlic, minced
.2 tablespoons vegetable oil
.1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
.1 tablespoon tomato paste
.1 teaspoon ground cumin
.1 teaspoon ground coriander
.1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
.Salt and pepper to taste
.Water for boiling
.Vinegar for the garlic sauce
For the garlic sauce
.4 cloves of garlic, minced
.1/4 cup vinegar
.Salt to taste
Instructions
Start by cooking the rice, lentils, and pasta separately according to their package instructions. Make sure not to overcook them, as you want them to retain some texture. Drain each of them when cooked and set aside.
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This process may take around 15-20 minutes. Once caramelized, remove half of the onions and set them aside for garnishing.
To the remaining onions in the skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the garlic sauce by combining the minced garlic, vinegar, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to infuse.
To serve, arrange the cooked rice, lentils, and pasta in individual bowls or a large serving dish. Pour the tomato sauce generously over the top. Sprinkle the reserved caramelized onions on top of the sauce.
Serve koshary hot, accompanied by the garlic sauce on the side. Each person can drizzle the garlic sauce over their portion according to their taste.
Koshary is traditionally eaten as a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of salad or some bread if desired. Enjoy your homemade koshary!
Recipe by : Aziz Hussain
''The dish typically starts with a base of rice and lentils. The rice is usually cooked to a fluffy texture, while the lentils are cooked until tender but still hold their shape. The rice and lentils provide a nutritious and filling foundation for the dish.
In addition to rice and lentils, koshary includes pasta, typically in the form of short macaroni or penne. The pasta is cooked al dente to maintain some texture and added to the rice and lentils, adding another layer of substance to the dish.
The crowning glory of koshary is the tomato sauce. It is a rich and flavorful sauce made with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a combination of spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. The sauce is simmered to develop a deep and aromatic flavor that coats the rice, lentils, and pasta, infusing them with its delicious taste.
To enhance the taste and texture of koshary, the dish is traditionally topped with caramelized onions. The onions are thinly sliced and cooked slowly in oil until they turn golden brown and sweet. They add a wonderful caramelized flavor and a crispy texture to the dish, creating a delightful contrast to the soft grains and sauce''