Egyptian Koshari is the most iconic street food in Egypt, known for its comforting flavor and low cost. This homemade version respects the traditional layering technique and sauces, ideal for sharing with family.
Ingredients
How many are you cooking for?
Original recipe for 4 servings
- 200g white rice
- 150g brown/green lentils
- 150g canned chickpeas
- 100g short pasta (ditalini)
- 2 large onions
- 4 garlic cloves
- 400g crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 100ml wine vinegar
- 60ml olive oil
- salt and black pepper
Step by step
Follow the timeline: technique icon, time and temperature when relevant.
- Step 1 Cook 35 min
Rinse the rice and lentils separately under cold water. Place them in a pot with cold water and bring to a boil; cook the rice for 15 min and the lentils for 20 min until tender but firm. Drain well and set aside separately.
- Step 2 Pan 12 min
Slice the onions into fine julienne strips and fry them in a pan with half the oil over medium heat until golden and crispy, taking about 12 minutes. Remove them and drain on paper towels to keep them extra crunchy.
- Step 3 Pot / simmer 11 min
In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic with cumin and turmeric for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, vinegar, salt and pepper; simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4 Cook 8 min
Boil water with plenty of salt in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain it and toss with a tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking. This step guarantees a perfect al dente texture.
- Step 5 Assemble 5 min
Assemble the dish in layers alternating rice, lentils, chickpeas and pasta in a large mold or baking tray. Pour the tomato sauce over the top and garnish generously with the crispy fried onions and a drizzle of oil.
- Step 6 Oven 15 min 180 °C
Bake at 180 °C for 15 minutes to blend the flavors and lightly gratinate the surface. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors settle and the texture becomes more consistent and comforting.