Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 4
Step into the vibrant streets of Cairo, where the comforting aroma of simmering tomato sauce, crispy onions, and fragrant spices fills the air. Koshary—Egypt’s most beloved street food—is a deliciously layered dish of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and a bold spiced tomato sauce, topped with crunchy fried onions and a tangy garlic-chili vinegar.
The History and Significance of Koshary
“Koshary is not just a meal—it’s Egypt’s culinary heritage served in a bowl.”
Koshary dates back to the 19th century, when British soldiers brought Indian khichdi (a rice and lentil dish) to Egypt. Over time, Egyptians made it their own by adding Italian-inspired pasta, crispy onions, and a zesty spiced tomato sauce—creating the ultimate comfort food.
Today, Koshary is a national dish—served everywhere, from humble food carts to high-end restaurants. It is loved for its rich flavors, affordability, and ability to bring people together over a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Koshary
For the Base:
☑️ 1 cup short-grain rice, rinsed
☑️ 1 cup brown lentils, soaked for 30 minutes
☑️ 1 cup elbow macaroni (or small pasta of choice)
☑️ 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
☑️ 1 teaspoon🥄 salt
For the Spiced Tomato Sauce:
☑️ 2 tablespoons olive oil
☑️ 4 cloves garlic, minced
☑️ 1 teaspoon🥄 ground cumin
☑️ 1 teaspoon🥄 ground coriander
☑️ ½ teaspoon🥄 smoked paprika
☑️ 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
☑️ 1 tablespoon🥄 white vinegar
☑️ 1 teaspoon🥄 sugar
☑️ Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic-Chili Vinegar Sauce (Daqa):
☑️ 3 cloves garlic, minced
☑️ ½ teaspoon🥄 red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
☑️ 2 tablespoons🥄 white vinegar
☑️ ½ teaspoon🥄 salt
For the Crispy Onions:
☑️ 2 large onions, thinly sliced
☑️ ½ cup vegetable oil for frying
For Serving:
☑️ Lemon wedges
☑️ Extra vinegar or hot sauce (optional)
👩🍳 How to Make Koshary
🔥 Step 1: Cook the Lentils & Rice
1️⃣ Boil the lentils in salted water for about 20 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ In the same pot, cook the rice in 2 cups of water with salt until fluffy. Fluff with a fork and mix with the lentils.
🍝 Step 2: Cook the Pasta & Chickpeas
1️⃣ Boil the macaroni in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Warm the chickpeas in a separate pot and set aside for serving.
🍅 Step 3: Make the Spiced Tomato Sauce
1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté garlic until golden.
2️⃣ Add cumin, coriander, and paprika, stirring until fragrant.
3️⃣ Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
🌶️ Step 4: Prepare the Garlic-Chili Vinegar Sauce (Daqa)
1️⃣ Mash garlic with red pepper flakes and salt using a mortar & pestle.
2️⃣ Mix with vinegar and set aside.
🧅 Step 5: Make the Crispy Onions
1️⃣ Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Fry the sliced onions, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy.
3️⃣ Drain on paper towels and set aside.
🍽 Step 6: Assemble & Serve
1️⃣ In serving bowls, layer the rice-lentil mix, pasta, and chickpeas.
2️⃣ Pour a generous amount of spiced tomato sauce on top.
3️⃣ Drizzle with garlic-chili vinegar sauce for extra tang.
4️⃣ Finish with crispy onions for the perfect crunch.
5️⃣ Serve hot with lemon wedges and extra hot sauce on the side!
🔥Why You’ll Love This Dish
Imagine layers of rice, pasta, and lentils, infused with bold spices and tangy sauce, topped with crunchy fried onions for the ultimate street food experience. Koshary is hearty, flavorful, and completely plant-based—a dish that satisfies in every way. Koshary isn’t just food—it’s Egyptian tradition in every bite.
Each forkful offers:
☑️ A medley of textures—soft lentils, fluffy rice, tender pasta, and crispy onions
☑️ A perfect balance of flavors—earthy, tangy, spicy, and rich
☑️ A budget-friendly, plant-based meal—nutrient-dense and naturally vegan
“Koshary isn’t just a dish—it’s a flavorful journey through Egypt’s history and street food culture.”
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Akutaq: The Traditional Alaskan Ice Cream with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors. 🐡🍋🍶
