Kushari (also known as Koshari or Koshary) is an Egyptian national dish that’s a medley of flavors and textures. This street food sensation combines layers of rice, lentils, and pasta, all crowned with a spiced tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It’s a harmonious blend of ingredients that speaks to Egypt’s diverse culinary influences, making it an iconic comfort food.
| Country | Egypt |
| Degree of Difficulty | Easy |
| Type of Food | Main Course |
| Cooking Time | Approximately 45 minutes |
| Preparation Time | About 20 minutes |
| Serving Size | 4 people |
Ingredients:
- For the Rice, Pasta, and Lentils:
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup pasta (macaroni or short pasta)
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For the Fried Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- Vegetable oil for frying
Steps or Directions:
- Prepare the Rice, Pasta, and Lentils:
- Cook each separately according to package instructions.
- Rinse, drain, and set aside.
- Make the Tomato Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce, white vinegar, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Fry the Onions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan for frying.
- Fry the sliced onions until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Assemble Your Kushari:
- In a serving dish, layer the cooked rice, pasta, and lentils.
- Pour the tomato sauce generously over the layers.
- Top with a generous serving of fried onions.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your Kushari hot, and for an extra layer of flavor, you can also garnish with extra tomato sauce and some vinegar.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Calories | 620 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Protein | 17g |
| Carbohydrates | 110g |
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- Add chickpeas for extra protein and creaminess.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes or types of lentils.
- Customize the spice level to your preference with more or less cayenne pepper.
Tips and Variations:
- Try making a garlic sauce for extra flavor.
- Pair your Kushari with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple salad.
- Adjust the thickness of the tomato sauce to your liking.
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe:
- Kushari has its roots in Egypt but has also gained popularity in various Middle Eastern countries, with regional adaptations.
Allergen Checklist:
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this dish gluten-free.