Teresa's Recipes
Koshari
Koshari, the national dish of Egypt, is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian meal. This street food classic combines layers of rice, lentils, and pasta topped with a zesty tomato sauce, fragrant with traditional Middle Eastern spices. The dish is finished off with a garnish of fresh parsley and cilantro, adding a burst of freshness that balances out the rich, complex flavors. Every bite of Koshari takes you on a culinary journey to the heart of Egypt.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons White vinegar
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon, or to taste Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste Red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) Canned tomatoes
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 large, chopped Onion
- 1 cup (e.g., macaroni or penne) Pasta
- 1 cup Lentils
- 1 cup Rice
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 85g
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Sugar: 8g
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
- In a separate pot, cook the lentils in boiling water until they are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the lentils and set them aside.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is aromatic.
- Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, and salt to the saucepan. Stir well to combine the ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- To assemble the Koshari, start with a layer of rice, followed by lentils, and then pasta. Generously top with the tomato sauce.
- Finish off the dish with a garnish of chopped parsley and cilantro, and a drizzle of white vinegar.
- Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors that is Koshari!
Tips
- For a variation, you can add a layer of chickpeas or fried onions for extra texture and flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your personal preference.