🇪🇬 Egypt · Food
Koshary
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
The ultimate Egyptian comfort food, this hearty dish combines rice, lentils, and pasta topped with a zesty tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It is a harmonious texture explosion that defines Cairo street food culture.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Slice the 3 onions thinly and fry them in 100ml of oil in a wide pan over medium heat until they are deep golden brown and crispy; drain on paper towels.
- 2
Simmer 250g of brown lentils in 750ml of water with a pinch of salt until tender but still firm, about 20 minutes, then drain.
- 3
Cook 200g of rice separately in 300ml of water until fluffy and tender, approximately 15 minutes.
- 4
Boil 150g of macaroni in salted water until al dente, drain, and toss with a splash of the reserved onion oil to prevent sticking.
- 5
In a small saucepan, sauté 4 cloves of minced garlic in 10ml of oil until fragrant, then pour in 400ml of tomato sauce, 50ml of vinegar, and 5g of cumin, simmering for 10 minutes.
- 6
To assemble, create a base layer of rice and lentils, then top with a layer of cooked macaroni.
- 7
Ladle the warm tomato sauce over the grain-pasta mixture and sprinkle with the 100g of cooked chickpeas.
- 8
Finish by crowning each portion with a generous handful of the crispy fried onions for that essential crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta?+
Yes, short shapes like macaroni or ditalini are traditional, but any small pasta like shells will work fine.
How do I ensure the onions stay crispy?+
Fry them in enough oil to cover them slightly and remove them just before they turn too dark, as they continue cooking for a moment.
Is the dish supposed to be served hot?+
Yes, Koshary is best served warm to allow the flavors of the cumin and vinegar-garlic sauce to meld perfectly.
Can I make this vegan?+
Koshary is naturally vegan as it uses only plant-based staples like lentils, rice, pasta, and vegetables.
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