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Cozy Koshari Recipe Easy Homemade Egyptian Comfort Food with Crispy Onions

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A comforting Egyptian dish combining tender lentils, fluffy rice, pasta, tangy tomato sauce, and crispy onions for a flavorful and hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
  • Hot sauce or chili vinegar (optional for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the lentils: In a large pot, add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta: In another pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (usually 7-8 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  3. Cook the rice: Rinse 1 cup rice until water runs clear. In the same pot used for lentils, add 1 ½ cups water, a pinch of salt, and the rice. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  4. Make the tomato sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, cumin, coriander, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add vinegar or lemon juice at the end to balance flavors.
  6. Prepare the crispy onions: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt and fry, stirring often, until golden brown and crispy, about 10-12 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer onions to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  7. Assemble: In serving bowls, layer cooked rice, lentils, and pasta. Spoon generous amounts of tomato sauce on top. Finish with a hearty sprinkle of crispy onions and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  8. Serve: Offer hot sauce or chili vinegar on the side for those who like a little extra heat.

Notes

Keep an eye on the crispy onions to avoid burning. Do not overcook lentils to maintain their shape. If the tomato sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth. Rinse rice and pasta thoroughly to prevent clumping. Fry onions slowly over medium heat for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: koshari, Egyptian comfort food, lentils, rice, crispy onions, tomato sauce, easy recipe, vegan, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://evabake.com/cozy-koshari-recipe-easy-homemade-egyptian-comfort-food-with-crispy-onions/