Koshary - The most comforting Egyptian Dish in the world

A beloved traditional Egyptian dish, Koshary, Kushari or Koshari is popular street food. The savoury, spicy dish is made of rice, macaroni, lentils, onions, chickpeas and tastes so delicious and comforting you will want more and more and BURP!

The dish consists of both Arab and Italian culinary elements and was originated in the mid 19th century however gained popularity in Cairo. I first had Koshary in Dubai at an Egyptian Restaurant Al Amoor Express . When I returned home to Karachi I was craving it. So I did what any sane person who knows how to cook does, made it myself! I made the version that has meat but you can make one without it as well.

The recipe is actually not complicated and that is what I love about this dish. It has authentic middle eastern flavours and is easy to make. This dish is high in carbohydrates and protein so ideally enjoyed during lunch though most people enjoy it at any time. Ingredients are made separately and then assembled together before being served. 

HOT TOMATO SAUCE

• 1 Can tomato puree
• 6 to 8 cloves finely chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp onion powder or 1 tbsp fried onions
• 3 tbsp Vinegar
• 2 cups water (you can add more if you want it less thick)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Red chilli powder to taste (as per your spice tolerance!)
• 1 heaped tsp ground cumin
• Some oil

Heat oil and sautee garlic. Add all the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and then simmer on low heat for at least 15 minutes or until it tastes tangy and spicy and is moderately thick.

MAIN INGREDIENTS

• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 packet of fried onions (unless you want to fry your own)
• 2 cups boiled rice
• 2 cups boiled green lentils
• 1 cup boiled macaroni pasta
• Minced meat of choice cooked simply with salt and black pepper

LET'S ASSEMBLE

It is all about layering! Start with lentils as the base layer, followed by rice, pasta, mince, chickpeas and fried onions. Lather with the tomato sauce. 

You can further garnish with fried garlic if you want!