Dive into Flavor: Koshari, Egypt's National Dish

 

 Egypt, a land steeped in history and vibrant culture, also boasts a cuisine rich in flavor and texture. Today, we're taking a culinary journey to the bustling streets of Cairo to explore Koshari (also spelled Kushari), a beloved national dish that's a delightful explosion of carbohydrates, sauces, and crispy toppings. This vegetarian marvel is a testament to Egypt's diverse culinary influences and is guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.

 

What is Koshari?

 

Koshari is a unique and satisfying street food staple made with a base of rice, macaroni, and lentils, all mixed together and topped with a tangy tomato sauce, crispy fried onions, and a spicy vinegar-garlic dressing (Shatta). It might sound like an unusual combination, but trust us, the symphony of flavors and textures is truly addictive!

 

Why You'll Love Koshari:

 

A Culinary Adventure: It's a dish unlike any other, offering a taste of authentic Egyptian street food.

Hearty and Filling: Packed with energy, Koshari is a perfect meal for any time of day.

Vegetarian Delight: A delicious and satisfying option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Layers of Flavor: The combination of the starchy base, tangy sauce, crispy onions, and spicy dressing creates a truly unique and memorable taste experience.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.

Ingredients:

 

For the Koshari Base:

 

1 cup of brown or white rice

1 cup elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes

1/2 cup of brown or green lentils

Water

Salt

For the Tangy Tomato Sauce (Salsa):

 

2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup tomato paste

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Crispy Fried Onions (Ward):

 

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon flour (optional, for extra crispiness)

For the Spicy Vinegar-Garlic Dressing (Shatta):

 

1/4 cup white vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)

Salt to taste

Instructions:

 

Cook the Lentils: Rinse the lentils and place them in a small saucepan with enough water to cover them by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.  

 

Cook the Rice: Cook the rice according to package directions. Set aside.

Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Crispy Fried Onions (Ward): Toss the thinly sliced onions with flour (if using). Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and fry, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. This will take about 15-20 minutes. Be patient and watch them carefully to prevent burning. Remove the onions with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Set aside. Reserve some of the onion-infused oil for the tomato sauce, if desired.

Make the Tangy Tomato Sauce (Salsa): Heat the olive oil (or reserved onion oil) in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, and chili powder (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Make the Spicy Vinegar-Garlic Dressing (Shatta): In a small bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Set aside.

Assemble the Koshari: In individual bowls, layer the cooked rice, followed by the macaroni and then the cooked lentils. Spoon a generous amount of warm tomato sauce over the top. Garnish generously with crispy fried onions. Drizzle with the spicy vinegar-garlic dressing (Shatta) to your liking.

Serving Suggestions:

 

Koshari is best served hot and freshly assembled.

Offer extra Shatta on the side for those who like it extra spicy.

Some variations include adding chickpeas to the base. Feel free to experiment!

Koshari is more than just a dish; it's an experience. The contrasting textures and bold flavors tell a story of Egypt's rich culinary heritage. So, gather your ingredients, follow this simple recipe, and embark on a delicious adventure to the heart of Egyptian street food!