Koshari (Egyptian Rice with Pasta and Lentils)
Koshari is a beloved Egyptian street food that brings together a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It is a hearty and satisfying vegetarian dish made with a mixture of rice, lentils, pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. Koshari is a true culinary gem of Egypt and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Before you start
A quick setup makes the method easier to follow and keeps important steps from being missed.
Preparation checklist
- Read all 10 method steps from beginning to end.
- Measure and arrange all 14 listed ingredients.
- Keep the recipe open and follow each step in order; the source does not state a total time.
Useful preparation guidance
Read the complete method before starting so ingredients and equipment are ready when needed.
Measure and prepare every ingredient before applying heat or beginning time-sensitive steps.
Use the method's visual and texture cues, because cookware and heat levels can vary between kitchens.
General kitchen guidance; no recipe-specific claim has been added.Method
- 01
In a saucepan, cook the rice according to the package instructions until it is tender and fluffy. Once cooked, set the rice aside.
- 02
In a separate pot, cook the lentils in boiling water until they are tender but not mushy. Drain the lentils in a colander and set them aside.
- 03
Cook the small macaroni or short pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until it is al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
- 04
In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and sauté until it turns golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried onions from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- 05
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- 06
Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and chili powder (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
- 07
Simmer the tomato sauce over low heat for about 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 08
To serve, layer the cooked rice, lentils, and pasta in a serving dish. Drizzle the tomato sauce generously over the top.
- 09
Garnish with the crispy fried onions and freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.
- 10
Serve the koshari hot and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Ready to serve
Serve the dish as directed and enjoy it while it is at its best.
Bon appétit — enjoy your meal!Source & licence
This recipe was adapted and reformatted from Wikibooks Cookbook . Text: CC BY-SA 4.0. Image: CC BY-SA 4.0, credited to Dina Said; view original image record .



