Egyptian Koshari: The Ultimate Comfort Food You Need to Try!
If there’s one dish that captures the heart and soul of Egypt, it’s Egyptian Koshari—a mouthwatering, carb-loaded masterpiece that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Imagine layers of fluffy rice, tender brown lentils, and perfectly cooked pasta, all smothered in a spicy tomato sauce, topped with crispy fried onions and creamy chickpeas.
But the magic doesn’t stop there! Every bite is a textural delight—soft rice and pasta, earthy lentils, tangy tomato goodness, and that irresistible crunch of golden onions. And let’s not forget the garlicky vinegar daqa sauce that takes it to the next level!
Naturally vegan, wildly delicious, and adored by locals and travelers alike, Koshari isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Have you tried it yet?
Ingredients
Koshari:
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1 cup rice (short or medium grain)
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1 cup brown lentils
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1 cup elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
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2 cups chickpeas (cooked, canned, or soaked overnight and boiled)
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2 large onions (thinly sliced)
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3 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp cumin
Tomato Sauce:
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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4 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tsp ground coriander
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½ tsp chili powder (optional)
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1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 tbsp vinegar
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1 tsp sugar
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Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Vinegar Sauce (Daqa):
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3 tbsp white vinegar
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
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½ tsp ground cumin
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½ cup water
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Salt to taste
Execution
1. Prepare the Lentils & Rice
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Rinse the lentils well and boil them in water with a pinch of salt for about 20 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and set aside.
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In a separate pot, heat 1 tbsp oil, add the rice, salt, black pepper, and cumin, then add 1 ½ cups water. Bring to a boil, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until cooked.
2. Cook the Pasta & Chickpeas
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Boil the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
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If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them. If using dried chickpeas, soak overnight and boil until tender.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce
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Heat oil (2 tbsp) in a pan, toss in the minced garlic, and cook until lightly golden.
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Add the coriander, chili powder, crushed tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Prepare the Fried Onions
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Heat oil in a pan and fry the thinly sliced onions until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Garlic Vinegar Sauce (Daqa)
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Heat oil (1 tbsp) in a small saucepan, then cook the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Add vinegar, water, cumin, and salt. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
6. Assemble the Koshari
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In a serving dish, layer the rice and lentils at the bottom, then add the pasta and chickpeas.
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Drizzle the tomato sauce over the mixture and gently fold it in.
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Garnish with crispy fried onions. Serve with the garlic vinegar sauce on the side.
Additional Tips
✔Spicier Version: Add more chili powder or serve with a spicy hot sauce.
✔Crunchy Texture: Add extra crispy onions on top for more crunch.
✔Vegan-Friendly: This dish is naturally vegan and packed with protein.
✔Make-Ahead: Koshari components can be prepped separately and assembled before serving.
Q&A About This Recipe
Q: What is Egyptian Koshari?
A: Koshari is Egypt’s national dish—a flavorful, filling street food made from rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, spiced tomato sauce, and crispy fried onions.
Q: Is Koshari vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes, Koshari is 100% vegan. It contains no meat, dairy, or animal products, making it a great choice for plant-based eaters.
Q: What makes Koshari unique?
A: Its unique mix of carbs (rice, pasta, lentils), bold tomato-garlic sauce, and crunchy onions sets it apart. It’s a fusion of Middle Eastern, Indian, and Italian influences—reflecting Egypt’s cultural crossroads.
Q: Is Koshari spicy?
A: The base dish isn’t too spicy, but it’s often served with a hot chili sauce (shatta) and a vinegar-garlic sauce (daqa) so diners can adjust the heat to their liking.
Q: How is Koshari served?
A: This dish is traditionally layered in a bowl or plate, finished with a generous topping of sauce and onions. In Egypt, it’s a popular street food, served piping hot for quick enjoyment.
Q: Can I prepare Koshari ahead of time?
A: Yes! Each component can be prepared in advance and assembled when ready to eat. It also reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Hearty & Satisfying: Koshari is a complete meal in a bowl—packed with carbs, protein, and fiber, keeping you full and energized.
✅ Vegan-Friendly: 100% plant-based without sacrificing flavor, it’s a go-to comfort food for vegans and vegetarians alike.
✅ Bold, Layered Flavors: From tangy spiced tomato sauce to garlicky vinegar drizzle and crispy onions, every bite offers contrast and depth.
✅ Affordable & Filling: Originally a street food, Koshari is budget-friendly and made with pantry staples—perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
✅ Customizable: Add extra chili, more garlic, or even roasted veggies—Koshari welcomes your personal twist.
✅ Cultural Icon: Eating Koshari connects you to a beloved Egyptian tradition, enjoyed everywhere from street corners to family kitchens.
Happy Cooking
Diana
