Koshary is a popular Egyptian dish that features a mix of lentils, rice, pasta, and topped with a flavorful tomato sauce and crispy fried onions.
Ingredients
Koshary
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 cup elbow macaroni or small pasta of your choice
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- Vegetable oil, for frying
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Instructions:
Prepare the Lentils:
- Rinse the lentils and place them in a pot with enough water to cover them by an inch.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Add salt to taste. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Rice and Pasta:
- Cook the rice and pasta separately according to their package instructions. Add salt to the water for flavor.
- Once cooked, drain the rice and pasta.
Mix the Lentils, Rice, and Pasta:
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked lentils, rice, and pasta together. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and toss to combine. The oil helps prevent sticking.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and sauté until softened.
- Add crushed tomatoes, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the Fried Onions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add thinly sliced onions and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Assemble the Koshary:
- Spoon the lentil, rice, and pasta mixture into serving plates.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the top.
- Garnish with crispy fried onions.
Serve:
- Serve the Koshary hot, with additional tomato sauce and fried onions on the side.
Enjoy your homemade Koshary! Feel free to adjust the spice levels and toppings according to your taste preferences.
