Egypt's beloved rice, lentil, and pasta street food
Koshari
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
1 hr 5 min
Servings
6
8 cups
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Budget
$
Koshari
Egypt's beloved rice, lentil, and pasta street food
★4.4(5)
Egypt's national dish layering rice, lentils, macaroni, and chickpeas topped with spiced tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. A carb-lover's dream with incredible textures.
20m
Prep Time
45m
Cook Time
65m
Total Time
6
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Koshari is glorious comfort food that layers humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The combination of crispy onions, tangy tomato sauce, and tender grains creates a symphony of flavors and textures.
Whether you are feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this main course delivers the kind of satisfaction that keeps people coming back.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce with 2 tbsp vinegar and cumin
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced (for frying)
Instructions
- 1
Cook lentils in boiling salted water for 20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- 2
Cook rice and macaroni separately according to package directions. Drain.
- 3
Fry onion slices in 1/2 cup oil over medium-high heat until deeply golden and crispy, about 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- 4
Make sauce: simmer tomato sauce with vinegar, cumin, garlic, and chili flakes for 10 minutes.
- 5
Layer in bowls: rice, lentils, macaroni, and chickpeas. Top with tomato sauce and crispy onions. Add hot sauce to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal
Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side
Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation
Substitutions
Brown lentilsGreen lentils
Hold their shape slightly better when cooked
Elbow macaroniDitalini or small shells
Any small pasta shape works
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Fry the onions low and slow for even crispiness without burning.
The tomato sauce should be tangy—don't skip the vinegar.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store components separately for up to 4 days. Assemble when serving.
Reheating
Reheat grains and sauce separately. Re-crisp onions in a skillet.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 6 servings
Calories380
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein15g
Carbohydrates6g
Fat72g
Fiber520mg
Sugar10g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why layer instead of mixing?
- Layering preserves each ingredient's texture and lets diners customize each bite.
- What kind of pasta is traditional?
- Small elbow macaroni or ditalini are most common in Egypt.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →