Koshari Lentils and Rice with Tomato Sauce

Experience the vibrant flavors of Egypt with this Koshari Lentils and Rice with Tomato Sauce recipe, a beloved street food that’s as hearty as it is delicious. This iconic dish combines tender lentils, fluffy long-grain rice, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a warm, spiced tomato-garlic sauce and crowned with golden, crispy fried onions. A touch of vinegar and a dash of cumin bring a tangy, earthy depth to the sauce, while optional chickpeas add an extra protein-packed boost. Perfect as a comforting main course or a flavorful side, this Koshari recipe is easy to make and packed with layers of textures and spices that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you're seeking a plant-based comfort food option or exploring the rich culinary traditions of Egyptian cuisine, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown or green lentils
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 cup vermicelli or elbow pasta
• 6 cups water
• 5 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 4 units garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chickpeas (cooked, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils thoroughly and place them in a medium-sized pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. In another pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat and toast the rice for 1-2 minutes. Add 1.5 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Set aside.

Step 3

In a small pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, and set aside.

Step 4

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy (about 15-20 minutes). Remove the onions, drain on paper towels, and set aside.

Step 5

For the tomato sauce, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and the white vinegar. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste and keep warm.

Step 6

To assemble the Koshari, layer the rice, lentils, and pasta on a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with the tomato sauce and crispy onions. Optionally, garnish with chickpeas for additional protein.

Step 7

Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish as a satisfying main course or side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3200.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2142.2

Total Fat 88.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1017.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 277.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 47.0g	0%
Total Sugars 38.4g
Protein 64.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 430.7mg	0%
Iron 20.2mg	0%
Potassium 2139.7mg	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: 36.7%

Protein: 12.0%

Carbs: 51.3%