The easiest way to koshari

The Easiest Way to Make Koshari

If you're looking to try your hand at cooking a delicious and authentic Egyptian dish, koshari should be at the top of your list. A flavorful combination of rice, lentils, pasta, and a delectable tomato sauce, koshari is a staple street food in Egypt. Don't be intimidated by its complex flavors and seemingly long list of ingredients – here's a step-by-step guide to help you make the easiest and most delicious koshari right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

Before you get started, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of rice
• 1 cup of lentils
• 1 cup of short pasta (macaroni or fusilli work well)
• 1 cup of tomato sauce
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice and Lentils:

   • Rinse the rice and lentils separately under cold water.
   • In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
   • Add the rice to the pot and cook over medium heat until tender.
   • In a separate pot, boil the lentils in 3 cups of water until they are soft but not mushy. Drain any excess water.

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
   • Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
   • Add the pasta and cook until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown and crispy.
   • Remove half of the onions and set them aside for garnish.
   • Add the minced garlic to the remaining onions in the pan and cook for an additional minute.
   • Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes (if desired).
   • Reduce the heat and simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes until thickened.

4. Combine and Serve:

   • In a large serving dish, layer the cooked rice, lentils, and pasta in equal amounts.
   • Pour the tomato sauce over the top of the mixture, ensuring it covers everything.
   • Garnish with the reserved crispy onions and freshly chopped parsley.
   • Serve the koshari hot and enjoy!

Tips: It's worth noting that koshari is typically served with a tangy garlic vinegar sauce and some extra hot sauce on the side. Feel free to serve it this way or customize it to your taste preferences.

Preparing koshari may seem daunting at first, but with this easy-to-follow guide, you can create a mouthwatering homemade version of this iconic Egyptian dish. Enjoy the blend of flavors and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.