kushari Recipe

Kushari, also spelled as kosheri, koshari or koushari is a popular traditional Egyptian national dish, normally eaten in specialty Kushari restaurants that serve this dish exclusively. It consists of a base of rice, brown lentils, chickpeas, macaroni, and a topping of Egyptian garlic and vinegar and spicy tomato sauce (salsa). Caramelized onions are commonly added as a garnish. Kushari is normally a vegetarian and usually a vegan dish, possibly reflecting the meatless diet of Coptic Christians during Lent and other fasts. It is often found in fast-food establishments that also serve ta'meyya (falafel). Smaller restaurants may serve either Kushari or ta'meyya while larger ones (often chain restaurants) usually serve both. It is an inexpensive dish, and serves as a staple food.

Kushari is one of the most popular, inexpensive, and common dishes in Egypt, and some restaurants specialize in this one dish. Let's try this wonderful Kushari recipe:


Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup uncooked pasta (small shells or elbow macaroni is best)
• 2 large onions, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 (400 g) can chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• salt and black pepper
  

Preparation:

1. Cook the lentils in just over a litre of salted water.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 15-30 minutes, depending on the type of lentils you are using.
3. When the lentils are quite tender, add the rice to the lentils and continue simmering until the rice is cooked, adding water if necessary.
4. Cook the macaroni in a separate pot.
5. Rinse and strain when done.
6. Meanwhile, fry the onions and garlic in the oil until golden.
7. Add the tomatoes, chilli flakes, salt and pepper to taste and let it bubble for 10-20 minutes or until thickened and sauce like.
8. You can now blitz the sauce in a food processor until smooth or just leave as is.
9. Mix the lentils, rice and macaroni together in one pot.
10. Place some of the lentil mixture on each plate and top with tomato sauce.
11. Sprinkle with more hot chili powder or salt and pepper, if desired.