Koshari

Experience the vibrant flavors of Egypt with this hearty Koshari recipe, a beloved street food staple and national dish. This savory medley combines fluffy white rice, tender brown lentils, and al dente macaroni, all layered with a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce and crowned with crispy fried onions for an irresistible crunch. Chickpeas add a boost of protein, while warm spices like cumin, coriander, and a touch of chili flakes infuse every bite with rich flavor. Perfectly comforting and satisfying, this one-pot wonder is not just a meal but a cultural experience. Whether you’re exploring global cuisine or simply looking for a filling vegan dish, Koshari is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that transforms simple pantry staples into an extraordinary feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:70 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 cup small macaroni
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 cups canned tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup chickpeas, canned and rinsed
• 4 cups water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the lentils and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 25 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In another saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the rice with a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes or until rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Step 4

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 6

Add the tomato puree to the skillet. Stir in cumin, coriander, chili flakes, the remaining salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

In a separate skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and fry the sliced onions until they are golden brown and crispy. This will take about 10 minutes. Drain the onions on paper towels.

Step 8

In a large serving bowl, mix the cooked rice, lentils, and macaroni together.

Step 9

Top the mixture with the spicy tomato sauce, followed by a generous layer of crispy onions.

Step 10

Scatter chickpeas on top for added texture and protein.

Step 11

Serve koshari warm and enjoy this comforting Egyptian classic.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2587.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2099.9

Total Fat 38.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5267.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 376.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 50.4g	0%
Total Sugars 53.1g
Protein 77.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 481.0mg	0%
Iron 22.5mg	0%
Potassium 4598.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.8%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 69.8%