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Cozy Egyptian Koshari Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Bowl to Try Today

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A warm, filling Egyptian dish combining lentils, rice, pasta, and a spicy tomato sauce topped with crispy fried onions. This easy-to-make comfort bowl is perfect for cozy dinners and offers authentic flavors with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 cup (180g) long-grain white rice, washed (basmati recommended)
  • 1 cup (100g) small elbow macaroni or ditalini pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • About 1 cup vegetable oil for frying onions
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, hot sauce or extra chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (200g) of brown lentils under cold water. Place them in a medium saucepan with 3 cups (720ml) of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
  2. Rinse 1 cup (180g) of white rice until water runs clear. In a medium pot, add rice and 1 ½ cups (360ml) water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let it steam covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup (100g) of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown). Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin and 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds.
  5. Add 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Heat about 1 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry thinly sliced onions in batches until golden brown and crisp (about 8 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to transfer onions to paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. To assemble, layer cooked rice, lentils, and pasta in serving bowls. Spoon generous amounts of tomato sauce over the top, then crown with crispy fried onions. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook lentils or pasta to keep layers distinct. Fry onions in small batches for crispiness. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Adjust chili flakes to taste. Keep rice and lentils warm separately if not serving immediately. If tomato sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. Vinegar can be substituted with lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: Koshari, Egyptian recipe, comfort food, lentils, rice, pasta, tomato sauce, fried onions, vegan, easy dinner

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/cozy-egyptian-koshari-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-bowl-to-try-today/