Hearty Egyptian Koshary with Caramelized Onions and Spiced Tomato Sauce

Recipe Collection: Dinner

Hearty Egyptian Koshary with Caramelized Onions and Spiced Tomato Sauce brings the rich flavors of Egypt to your table. This vegetarian dish beautifully combines layers of rice, pasta, and lentils, all topped with a spiced tomato sauce and crispy caramelized onions. Perfect for those seeking a comforting meal with an exotic twist, this gluten-free recipe offers a unique blend of textures and spices, making it versatile for any occasion, whether served as a main dish or a side.

Easily accessible through the easyChef Pro App, you can explore personalized recipe recommendations, AI-powered pantry tracking, and a smart shopping list to simplify your meal prep. Select this recipe today and enjoy step-by-step guidance to create a delicious meal!

Overview

Egyptian Koshary is a beloved street food that combines layers of rice, pasta, and lentils, topped with a spiced tomato sauce and crispy caramelized onions. This dish is a symphony of textures and flavors, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that is both comforting and exotic.

Diet Type

Vegetarian

Allergies

Gluten

Cuisine

Egyptian

Serving Size: 8

Cooking Time: 110 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons (tbsp) vegetable oil, divided
• 2 Cups uncooked white rice
• 3 Cups water
• 1 Teaspoon (tsp) salt, divided
• 16 Ounces (oz) package uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 Cup beluga lentils, soaked
• 5 Medium onions, minced
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tablespoons (tbsp) distilled white vinegar
• 4 Whole ripe tomatoes, diced
• 0.5 Cups tomato paste
• 1.5 Teaspoons (tsp) salt
• 1 Teaspoon (tsp) ground black pepper
• 2.5 Teaspoons (tsp) ground cumin
• 0.25 Teaspoon (tsp) cayenne pepper
• 1 Cup canned chickpeas, drained (optional)
• 0.5 Cup fried onion crisps (garnish, optional)

Steps

1. Prepare the Rice: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rice and stir until coated with oil, about 3 minutes. Add 3 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes.
2. Cook the Macaroni: Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot, covering to keep warm.
3. Cook the Lentils: Drain and rinse the soaked lentils. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot, add the lentils, and return to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
4. Caramelize the Onions: Heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until they are a deep caramelized brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, add half of the caramelized onions. Mix in the vinegar, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black pepper, 1.5 teaspoons of salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 12 minutes.
6. Assemble the Koshary: On each serving plate, layer a spoonful of rice, followed by macaroni, and then lentils. Top with a generous amount of the tomato sauce and sprinkle with the remaining caramelized onions. Optionally, add chickpeas and garnish with fried onion crisps for extra texture and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Koshary warm, allowing the flavors to meld together for a truly authentic Egyptian experience. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish with family and friends.

Enjoy your homemade Hearty Egyptian Koshary with Caramelized Onions and Spiced Tomato Sauce!