Koshary

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Egypt with Koshary, the ultimate comfort food and a beloved national dish. This hearty recipe masterfully combines layers of fluffy rice, tender lentils, al dente macaroni, and creamy chickpeas, all tied together with a tangy, spiced tomato sauce infused with garlic, cumin, and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick. Crispy fried onions add the perfect touch of indulgent crunch, making every bite irresistible. Whether you're cooking for a family meal or exploring Middle Eastern cuisine, Koshary delivers a satisfying, vegan-friendly dish that's both nourishing and packed with bold, aromatic flavors. Perfect for meal prep, this crowd-pleaser is a showcase of humble, pantry-friendly ingredients transformed into a culinary masterpiece.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups rice
• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 cup macaroni pasta
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas
• 3 large onions
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 4 cloves garlic
• 0.25 cup white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and soak the lentils in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, add the lentils and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Cook the rice according to package instructions. Set aside.

Step 4

Cook the macaroni pasta as per the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5

Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas. Set aside.

Step 6

Thinly slice the onions. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels.

Step 7

In the same skillet, discard excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 8

Pour in the tomato sauce, then add white vinegar, salt, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 9

To serve, layer a serving dish with rice, a portion of lentils, a handful of pasta, and some chickpeas. Pour a generous amount of tomato sauce over the top.

Step 10

Garnish with fried onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2200.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2923.8

Total Fat 129.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5980.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 367.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 67.5g	0%
Total Sugars 69.1g
Protein 85.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 528.1mg	0%
Iron 30.5mg	0%
Potassium 3450.0mg	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: 39.1%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 49.4%