Koushari

Dive into the vibrant flavors of koushari, Egypt's beloved street food and comfort dish that combines humble ingredients into a symphony of taste and texture. This hearty vegan recipe layers perfectly cooked rice, tender brown lentils, al dente macaroni, and protein-packed chickpeas, all brought to life with a rich, spiced tomato sauce and a zesty garlic-vinegar dressing. Topped with golden, crispy fried onions for an irresistible crunch, koushari is a true celebration of bold spices like cumin, coriander, and a hint of chili for optional heat. Easy to serve family-style or as an impressive individual plate, this iconic dish is a satisfying, wholesome meal that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’re craving a taste of authentic Egyptian cuisine, koushari is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Rice
• 1 cup Brown lentils
• 1 cup Macaroni pasta (small shells or elbows)
• 1 cup Chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 2 large Onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 2 cups Tomato sauce (canned or fresh)
• 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons White vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Coriander (ground)
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional)
• 0 to taste Salt
• 0 to taste Black pepper
• 6 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. Place them in a pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In another pot, rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Add 2 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and cook over low heat with a tight-fitting lid for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender. Set aside.

Step 3

In a third pot, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.

Step 4

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove the onions from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Step 5

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil and the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), and 1/2 cup of water. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Step 6

Prepare the garlic-vinegar dressing by mixing 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons of white vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.

Step 7

To assemble, layer the cooked rice at the bottom of a large serving platter or individual plates. Add a layer of lentils, followed by the macaroni. Top with chickpeas, the prepared tomato sauce, and a drizzle of the garlic-vinegar dressing.

Step 8

Garnish with the crispy fried onions and serve warm. Enjoy this delicious and iconic Egyptian dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3175.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2412.7

Total Fat 65.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4402.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 387.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 55.9g	0%
Total Sugars 56.8g
Protein 83.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 522.3mg	0%
Iron 27.0mg	0%
Potassium 4097.9mg	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: 23.7%

Protein: 13.5%

Carbs: 62.7%