How to Make Koshary: Egypt's Favorite Street Food

If you ever visit the bustling streets of Cairo, Egypt, you will likely hear the clattering of metal spoons against metal bowls. This lively sound comes from street vendors preparing Koshary, Egypt's beloved national dish. Koshary is a unique comfort food that mixes ingredients from different parts of the world, including Italian pasta, Indian lentils, and Egyptian spices.

While it has many steps, making Koshary at home is a fun and rewarding cooking project. Follow these steps to create your own delicious bowl of Egyptian history.

Ingredients You Will Need:

• 1 cup brown lentils (rinsed)
• 1 cup medium-grain white rice
• 1 cup elbow macaroni or ditalini pasta
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Fry the Crispy Onions

The crispy onions, called ward (which means "flowers" in Arabic), are the most important topping. Toss the sliced onions in the cornstarch until they are lightly coated. Heat a half-inch of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the onions and fry them, stirring occasionally, until they turn dark golden-brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Save the onion-flavored oil for the next steps!

Step 2: Cook the Lentils and Rice

In a medium pot, bring the lentils and three cups of water to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let them simmer for about 15 minutes until they are slightly tender. Drain any excess water. In another pot, heat two tablespoons of the saved onion oil. Add the rice and stir to coat it in the oil. Add the cooked lentils, two cups of water, a pinch of salt, and a half-teaspoon of cumin. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until the rice is fluffy.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the rice is cooking, fill a large pot with water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until it is tender. Drain the pasta and toss it with one tablespoon of the saved onion oil so the noodles do not stick together.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce

In a small saucepan, heat one tablespoon of the onion oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for one minute until it smells fragrant. Stir in the vinegar, tomato sauce, remaining cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Now it is time to build your Koshary bowl! Start with a generous scoop of the warm rice and lentil mixture. Next, add a layer of cooked pasta. Spoon the warm chickpeas over the top. Pour a ladle of the savory tomato sauce over the chickpeas, and finally, smother the dish with a mountain of crispy fried onions. Serve hot and enjoy this authentic taste of Egypt!