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Home » Entree » Koshari | Kushari - Egyptian Street Food

Published: Dec 24, 2017 · Modified: Feb 18, 2021 by Sandhya Ramakrishnan · This post may contain affiliate links

Koshari | Kushari - Egyptian Street Food

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koshari pinterest image

Koshari or Kushari is a very popular Egyptian Street Food that is made with Rice, lentils and Pasta which is then topped with a spicy tomato sauce and caramelized onions.

Kushari wtih sauce being poured

Koshari or Kushari is a very popular Egyptian dish made of rice and lentil, served with a spicy tomato sauce and caramelized onions. We first ate this dish in one of the local Middle Eastern restaurant. I was amazed to find many vegetarian dishes on their menu and this one in particular caught my eye.

I have never eaten a dish that has the rice and also the pasta. Once we ordered it we fell in love with it. The dish was layers and layers of flavors. I tried to mimic the flavors that I ate in the restaurant and came up with this recipe. If you are looking for a one pot meal, this one sure should make your list.

History of Koshari -

I also want to share a little bit of information that I found about the history and origination of this dish. Koshari originated in the mid 19th century, during when Egypt was a multi cultural country and was economically a developing country.

Lower class people’s pantry which is usually very limited, at the end of the month, always has little of many different ingredients like rice, lentils, pasta, tomato sauce, garlic and onions.

Someone came up with the idea of putting all these ingredients together in one dish and thus originated the Koshari, which eventually became very famous among the laborers and the working class people. It is often found as a street side food apart from also being made at home. This dish is usually entirely vegetarian.

Kushari with all of its sides

I have made this dish with regular masoor dal (orange lentil) and have seen that it cooks a little too soft for my liking. Lately I have been using whole masoor dal with skin and it works perfect. This is the perfect lentil to use for the dish. The restaurant I ate this first at has a very spicy tomato sauce. I make mine spicy as well but to the extent that the boys can eat it and enjoy.

Caramelized onion is very vital for Kushari and hence make sure you make them. It is a time consuming process to make the caramelized onion, but the sweetness from the onion is just delicious in the dish. Make sure you make enough as people will definitely come for more onion.

Also check out my other Middle Eastern recipes -

Chick peas soup

Pita Pockets

Falafel

Baklava

Preparation time – 20 mins
Cooking time – 1 hr
Difficulty level – easy

Ingredients to make Koshari – (serves 4)

To make Koshari –

  • Rice – 1 cup
  • Lentils (brown) – ¾ cup (I used Masoor dal with skin)
  • Elbow pasta or any small pasta – ¾ cup
  • Onions – 2 large (thinly sliced)
  • Cumin powder – ½ tsp
  • Nutmeg powder – ¼ tsp
  • Oil – 4 tbsp
  • Salt – to taste

To make the tomato sauce –

  • Tomato sauce – 1 can (15 oz)
  • Onion – 1 small (chopped finely)
  • Garlic – 2 cloves (finely minced)
  • Cumin powder – 1 ½ tsp
  • Cinnamon – ½ tsp
  • All spice – ¼ tsp
  • Nutmeg – ½ tsp
  • Red chili powder – 2 tsp (or adjust based on your spiciness level)
  • Vinegar – 2 tbsp
  • Salt – to taste

To serve –

  • Caramelized onions
  • Boiled chickpeas – 1 cup (optional)
koshari in a plate with sides

Procedure to make Kushari –

  • Heat a wide pan and add about 3 tbsp of oil. Sauté the onions until well caramelized and dark brown.
  • Remove almost ¾th of the caramelized onions and drain it on a paper towel and keep aside.
caramelizing onions
  • To the remaining onions in the pan, add about 3 cups of water and bring it to boil.
  • To this add the washed and drained lentils.
  • Once the lentils are ½ way done, add the rinsed and drained rice.
  • Add the cumin powder and nutmeg powder to the boiling rice and lentil along with salt.
cooking the rice and lentils
  • Cook them until done (about 30 mins). Keep aside.
  • In another pan boil about 3 cups of water and cook the elbow pasta until al dente. Drain and keep it aside.

To make the sauce –

  • Heat a pan with about a tbsp of oil. Add the chopped onion to it and sauté until translucent.
  • Now add the garlic and sauté for 2 more mins.
  • To this add the vinegar and bring it to a boil. Once the vinegar boils, add the canned tomato sauce along with salt and rest of the seasonings.
  • Let the sauce boil and then simmer and reduce until it is thick (about 20 mins).
making the sauce

To assemble the Kushari–

  • Layer the rice and lentil on the bottom of the plate.
  • Then add a layer of pasta.
  • Add a layer of spicy tomato sauce.
  • Top with caramelized onions and boiled chickpeas.

Scoop a big spoonful of everything together and enjoy this tasty and delicious dish!!!

Kushari in a plate with all of its sides

More Middle Eastern Recipes

  • Middle Eastern Lentil Soup | Vegan And Gluten Free
  • Chickpea Shawarma Wrap | Vegetarian Shawarma Sandwich
  • Aish Baladi | Vegan Egyptian Flatbread
  • Umm Ali Recipe | Egyptian Dessert

 If you made this recipe and liked it, give a star rating on the recipe card or let me know in the comments below. You could also share it with me on Instagram using #MyCookingJourney and tagging me @sandhya.ramakrishnan. You could follow me and my recipes on Facebook |Instagram | Pinterest | twitter

rice and beans with tomato sauce

Koshari / Kushari

Koshari or Kushari is a very popular Egyptian Street Food that is made with Rice, lentils
and Pasta which is then topped with a spicy tomato sauce and caramelized onions.
5 from 5 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: African, Egyptian
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Calories: 559kcal
Author: Sandhya Ramakrishnan

Ingredients

To make Koshari –

  • 1 cup Rice
  • ¾ cup Lentils brown – ¾ cup (I used Masoor dal with skin)
  • ¾ cup Elbow pasta or any small pasta
  • 2 large Onions thinly sliced
  • ½ tsp Cumin powder
  • ¼ tsp Nutmeg powder
  • 4 tbsp Oil
  • Salt to taste

To make the tomato sauce –

  • 1 can Tomato sauce 15 oz
  • 1 small Onion chopped finely
  • 2 cloves Garlic finely minced
  • 1 ½ tsp Cumin powder
  • ½ tsp Cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp All spice
  • ½ tsp Nutmeg
  • 2 tsp Red chili powder or adjust based on your spiciness level
  • 2 tbsp Vinegar
  • Salt to taste

To serve –

  • Caramelized onions
  • 1 cup Boiled chickpeas optional

Instructions

  • Heat a wide pan and add about 3 tbsp of oil. Sauté the onions until well caramelized and dark brown.
  • Remove almost ¾th of the caramelized onions and drain it on a paper towel and keep aside.
  • To the remaining onions in the pan, add about 3 cups of water and bring it to boil.
  • To this add the washed and drained lentils.
  • Once the lentils are ½ way done, add the rinsed and drained rice.
  • Add the cumin powder and nutmeg powder to the boiling rice and lentil along with salt.
  • Cook them until done (about 30 mins). Keep aside.
  • In another pan boil about 3 cups of water and cook the elbow pasta until al dente. Drain and keep it aside.

To make the sauce –

  • Heat a pan with about a tbsp of oil. Add the chopped onion to it and sauté until translucent.
  • Now add the garlic and sauté for 2 more mins.
  • To this add the vinegar and bring it to a boil. Once the vinegar boils, add the canned tomato sauce along with salt and rest of the seasonings.
  • Let the sauce boil and then simmer and reduce until it is thick (about 20 mins).

To assemble –

  • Layer the rice and lentil on the bottom of the plate.
  • Then add a layer of pasta.
  • Add a layer of spicy tomato sauce.
  • Top with caramelized onions and boiled chickpeas.
  • Scoop a big spoonful of everything together and enjoy this tasty and delicious dish!!!

Nutrition

Calories: 559kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 926mg | Potassium: 1273mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1150IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 7mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @Sandhya.Ramakrishnan or tag #MyCookingJourney!
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Previous Post: « Moroccan Olive Bread - Vegan Olive Bread
Next Post: Stuffed Poblano | Poblano Peppers Stuffed With Beans And Rice »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Robert Smith says

    November 19, 2020 at 5:59 am

    5 stars
    Outstanding! A fun and completely satisfying meal. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Sandhya Ramakrishnan says

      November 20, 2020 at 10:35 am

      Thanks! Glad you liked the recipe.

      Reply
  2. Archana says

    December 13, 2019 at 4:11 am

    5 stars
    I had made koshari for the first mega marathon. It has been ages and now I had forgotten about it till I saw your pics and remembered the bharat spice that was given for bm. Must try it out. It like you said is one amazing dish.

    Reply
  3. Lathiya says

    December 05, 2019 at 2:21 pm

    5 stars
    Never heard of this dish. It looks like a wholesome street food. Delicious.

    Reply
  4. Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey says

    December 04, 2019 at 12:02 pm

    I've never seen this recipe, looks so comforting and cosy. You don't require so many exotic ingredients for this recipe too. A perfect lunch for a cold and frosty day.

    Reply
  5. Jayashree T.Rao says

    November 30, 2019 at 4:31 am

    It's good to know about Koshari through your blog. Interesting recipe, combination of rice and pasta it will be filling too.

    Reply
  6. sasmita says

    November 30, 2019 at 4:01 am

    Egyptian Street Food looks so comforting as it has both rice and lentils. I am definitely going to try this sure 🙂 Awesome vegetarian street food it is...

    Reply
  7. Padma Veeranki says

    November 28, 2019 at 2:36 pm

    Good to know about this interesting street food...That too vegetarian!! Such a filling one pot meal...Definitely a must try recipe!!

    Reply
  8. Rafeeda - The Big Sweet Tooth says

    November 26, 2019 at 12:50 am

    This dish is very vital for a lot of Arabs. So heavy on carbs but amazingly comfort food... You have cracked it completely...

    Reply
  9. Mayuri Patel says

    November 25, 2019 at 10:42 am

    I've heard about the dish Koshari but had not really looked it up as I presumed that it would be a meat dish. What a pleasant surprise to read that its mainly vegetarian. Loved reading how this dish originated. Definitely a dish that I'm bookmarking to try out.

    Reply
  10. Lata Lala says

    November 23, 2019 at 11:35 am

    5 stars
    This street food from Egypt sounds so different and interesting. This really is healthy one pot meal. Loved this filling with macaroni beans and rice kinda one hearty meal.
    A must try recipe.

    Reply
  11. Pavani says

    November 23, 2019 at 9:54 am

    5 stars
    I have made this dish a while back and absolutely LOVED it. Caramelizes onions are the key and give the dish so much flavor. You are tempting me to make this again very very soon 🙂

    Reply
  12. Priya Srinivasan says

    January 12, 2018 at 11:49 am

    I have this in my bookmarks since we did Around the world, this is one complete meal! Looks delicious!

    Reply
  13. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

    January 08, 2018 at 4:11 am

    This year I said I'd get more adventuresome in my eating habits. This Middle Eastern dish would certainly fit the bill. I can't wait to try it.

    Reply
  14. Molly Kumar says

    January 07, 2018 at 10:02 pm

    This looks like a great recipe to try for weeknight meals. I probably have all the ingredients in my pantry 🙂

    Reply
  15. swathi says

    January 07, 2018 at 9:11 pm

    This really healthy one pot meal, Love this filling one with macaroni beans and rice. I need to try it. it is my do list. thanks for sharing the recipe.

    Reply
  16. Deepika says

    January 07, 2018 at 1:25 pm

    This is so interesting. I loved going through the history of this dish. Best part it's simple and easy to make and filling. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  17. Noel Lizotte says

    January 06, 2018 at 5:18 pm

    Love this idea! Use up all those "end of month" bits of food and turn it into a delicious meal! Best of all, it's filling and full of flavor.

    Reply
  18. Helene says

    January 06, 2018 at 6:00 am

    I love to use whole masoor dal in my food. For some reason however it's not that common compared to the orange/halved masoor dal in Goa. Your post makes me want to try koshari soon 🙂

    Reply
  19. Adriana Lopez Martin says

    January 06, 2018 at 12:46 am

    wow this sounds so interesting and different I need to try it soon. Lovemaking new recipes and learning about other cultures

    Reply
  20. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says

    January 05, 2018 at 5:40 pm

    I don't think I have ever tried Egyptian food, at least not that I can recall. This sounds delicious. I love all the ingredients...so I know it would work for me.

    Reply
  21. Veena Azmanov says

    January 05, 2018 at 4:13 pm

    I've never heard of this but it sounds so unique and delicious So simple too. Saving for later.

    Reply
  22. Catherine says

    January 05, 2018 at 4:02 pm

    What a hearty and wonderful meal! This sounds like something I would enjoy very much.

    Reply
  23. Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says

    January 05, 2018 at 9:05 am

    It sounds like this is loaded with all sorts of great flavors. I'd totally try it!

    Reply
  24. Priya says

    January 01, 2018 at 8:15 am

    sounds grear. So far I have not tried any other cuisine... great u pulled out beautifully.

    Reply
  25. Usha says

    December 31, 2017 at 3:01 pm

    Pasta in rice is interesting.

    Reply
  26. Priya Suresh says

    December 31, 2017 at 3:35 am

    And this dish is in my list since a long, seriously i want to make this interesting street food as soon as possible. Such a filling dish.

    Reply
  27. Vaishali says

    December 26, 2017 at 6:56 am

    Interesting street food . The combo of rice and pasta is unique and everything put together would definitely be a nice wholesome dish .

    Reply

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I am Sandhya Ramakrishnan, author, recipe developer and photographer in this journey! 'My Cooking Journey' is all about family friendly Vegetarian and Vegan recipes from around the World with focus on Indian cuisine.

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