Mastering the art of Egyptian koshari a delicious journey through the land of the pyramids

Koshari is a popular Egyptian dish that features a combination of rice, lentils, pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious and beautiful Egyptian koshari: Ingredients: For the Koshari: - 1 cup brown lentils - 1 cup long-grain rice - 1 cup elbow macaroni or other short pasta - 2 large onions, thinly sliced - Vegetable oil for frying - Salt to taste For the Tomato Sauce: - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2-3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: red pepper flakes for heat For Serving (optional): - Chickpeas (canned or cooked from dried) - Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley - White vinegar or sauce for drizzling Instructions: 1. **Prepare the Lentils:** Rinse the lentils thoroughly and place them in a saucepan with enough water to cover them by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the lentils are tender but not mushy, about 20-25 minutes. Drain any excess water and set aside. 2. **Cook the Rice:** In a separate pot, cook the rice according to package instructions. You can add a pinch of salt for flavor if desired. 3. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the elbow macaroni or other short pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. 4. **Make the Tomato Sauce:** In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to your taste. 5. **Fry the Onions:** In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove the onions with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel. 6. **Assemble the Koshari:** To serve, start by layering a base of cooked rice in a serving dish. Top the rice with a layer of cooked lentils, followed by a layer of cooked pasta. 7. **Pour the Tomato Sauce:** Pour the prepared tomato sauce generously over the layers of rice, lentils, and pasta. 8. **Add Toppings:** Garnish the koshari with a handful of crispy fried onions on top. You can also add some chickpeas for extra protein and texture if desired. 9. **Serve:** Serve the koshari , garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, and offer white vinegar or sauce on the side for drizzling according to individual preferences. Enjoy your delicious and beautiful Egyptian koshari!