🍲 Koshary – Egypt’s National Comfort Food
Koshary (also spelled Kushari) is Egypt’s ultimate comfort food — a satisfying combination of rice, lentils, pasta, and crispy fried onions topped with a spicy tomato sauce and chickpeas. This hearty vegetarian dish is the pride of Egyptian street food, celebrated for its bold flavors, affordable ingredients, and layered textures.
Whether served in a small Cairo food stall or made at home for family dinners, Koshary brings warmth, flavor, and nostalgia to every bite. Let’s explore how to make this flavorful dish right in your kitchen.
Craving something hearty, comforting, and packed with bold flavor? Try this authentic *Egyptian Koshary (Koshari)* — a plant-based street food classic that’s as budget-friendly as it is satisfying. Made with simple ingredients like rice, lentils, pasta, and a tangy tomato-vinegar sauce, this one-dish meal is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
🧅 What Is Koshary?
Koshary is a fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, combining everyday ingredients into a rich, wholesome bowl. The dish starts with a base of rice, lentils, and macaroni, followed by a tangy spiced tomato sauce and a sprinkle of fried onions for crunch.
It’s filling, completely vegetarian, and easily customizable — no wonder it’s called Egypt’s national dish!
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Base:
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1 cup rice
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1 cup brown lentils
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1 cup elbow macaroni
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½ tsp salt
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2 tbsp oil
For the Tomato Sauce:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cups tomato puree
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1 tsp red chili flakes
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½ tsp cumin powder
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Salt to taste
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1 tbsp vinegar
For the Crispy Onions:
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2 large onions, thinly sliced
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½ cup oil for frying
For Garnish:
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½ cup cooked chickpeas
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Fresh parsley (optional)
🔥 How to Make Koshary – Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Lentils
Rinse lentils and cook them in salted water until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In another pot, add a bit of oil and sauté the rice for a minute. Add water, a pinch of salt, and cook until fluffy.
Step 3: Boil the Macaroni
Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and keep aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant. Add tomato puree, chili flakes, cumin, and vinegar. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens and develops rich, spicy flavors.
Step 5: Fry the Onions
In a frying pan, heat oil and fry the onion slices until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Assemble the Koshary
Layer rice, lentils, and macaroni in a bowl. Pour over the tomato sauce, top with crispy onions and chickpeas. Sprinkle parsley if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy the incredible burst of flavors!
🌶️ Tips for the Perfect Koshary
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Texture balance is key! Keep lentils firm and rice fluffy for the perfect mix.
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Fried onions add crunch and sweetness – don’t skip them!
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Add extra chili sauce if you love heat.
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You can also drizzle some garlic vinegar on top before serving for extra zing.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
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Store leftover Koshary in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat individual portions in the microwave or skillet until warm.
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Keep fried onions separate and add them just before serving to maintain crispiness.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Koshary is a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with:
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Fresh green salad or cucumber yogurt dip
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Egyptian-style pickles (torshi)
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Mint lemonade or a cool yogurt drink
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🔗 Internal Links
- https://blopost.com/masala-lachha-paratha-pizza/
- https://blopost.com/best-ever-cucumber-dill-salad-recipe/
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💭 Final Thoughts
Koshary is more than just a dish — it’s a celebration of Egypt’s culinary heritage. Each bite tells a story of warmth, culture, and comfort. The combination of spicy sauce, lentils, and crispy onions creates an explosion of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Try this at home and experience the magic of Egyptian street food — hearty, delicious, and made with love!