Koshari Recipe

Rice, lentils, spaghetti, fried onions, and a zesty tomato sauce are the main ingredients of the well-known Egyptian meal koshari. In Egypt, this filling, tasty comfort food is frequently offered on the street.

Mar 18, 2025 - 15:00
6
Koshari Recipe
Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 40 min
Serving 6
Difficulty Intermediate

Known for its solid, savory blend of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas, koshari is a typical Egyptian meal that is garnished with crispy fried onions. It's a filling comfort food that's frequently served with a zesty tomato sauce and garlic vinegar. Originally from Egypt, the meal is frequently served at local restaurants or on the street. Rich in proteins from the lentils and chickpeas, koshari is a fantastic vegetarian choice. It is a well-liked dish, especially during family get-togethers and Ramadan.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 cup brown lentils
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni or small pasta
  • 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (optional)
  • 1 large onion (sliced thin for frying)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying onions)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes (pureed)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar (optional, for tang)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 350-450 kcal
  • Protein: 12-15g
  • Carbohydrates: 60-70g
  • Fiber: 10-12g
  • Fat: 8-10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1-2g
  • Sodium: 500-700mg
  • Sugars: 5-7g

Directions

  • To prepare Koshari, begin by cooking the lentils in a pot of water for about 20 minutes until soft, then drain and set aside.
  • Next, cook the rice with a pinch of salt until done.
  • While the rice is cooking, boil the pasta according to the package directions and drain.
  • For the tomato sauce, sauté minced garlic in olive oil, then add diced tomatoes, cumin, coriander, chili flakes (optional), salt, and pepper, simmering for around 10 minutes until it thickens.
  • In a separate pan, fry the sliced onions in oil until crispy and golden.
  • To assemble, layer the rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas on a plate, top with the tomato sauce, and finish with the crispy onions.
  • Optionally, drizzle vinegar over the dish and garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.