Classic Egyptian Koshari
Classic Egyptian Koshari layers fluffy rice, tender lentils, and macaroni under a tangy, cumin-scented tomato-vinegar sauce and plenty of caramelized onions. It’s hearty, comforting, and full of contrasting textures—perfect for a satisfying weeknight Dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. The warm spices and bright acidity make each bite balanced and memorable.
- Prep15 mins
- Cook1 hr 35 mins
- Serves8
- DifficultyMedium
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Classic Egyptian Koshari, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 53 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 39 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityGood
- 91 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 72
- Heart Health
- 49
- Metabolic
- 58
- Digestive
- 55
- Inflammatory
- 45
- Performance
- 59
- General Wellness
- 1
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the rice and keep stirring until it is coated with oil, about 3 minutes. Add 3 cups water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.
- 2
Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in the macaroni and return to a boil. Cook the macaroni uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes. Drain well in a colander. Return the macaroni to the cooking pot, cover, and keep warm.
- 3
Soak the lentils for 30 minutes.
- 4
Drain and rinse; drain again.
- 5
Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a pot and stir in the lentils. Bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until the lentils are tender, 15 or 20 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 6
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onions in the oil, stirring often, until they start to brown, 10 to 15 minutes. The onions should be a nicely caramelized brown. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- 7
Place half of the onion mixture into a saucepan. Stir in the vinegar. Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, black pepper, 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, cumin, and cayenne (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 12 minutes.
- 8
Serve by placing a spoonful of rice, then macaroni, and then the lentils on serving plates. Sprinkle with some of the browned onions, then top with the tomato sauce.
- Calories 552.11 kcal High 28%
- Protein 16.82 g Good Source 34%
- Carbohydrate 115.07 g 42%
- Total Fat 3.94 g Moderate 5%
- Saturated Fat 0.37 g Low Source 2%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 0.05 mg Low Source 0%
- Sodium 397.28 mg Moderate 17%
- Dietary Fiber 10.91 g Good Source 39%
- Total Sugars 11.71 g --
- Added Sugars 3.73 g Moderate 7%
- Calcium 92.61 mg Low Source 7%
- Iron 6.12 mg Good Source 34%
- Potassium 847.73 mg Moderate 18%
- Vitamin A 150.68 mcg Moderate 17%
- Vitamin C 21.13 mg Good Source 23%
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source 0%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten
- Tomatoes 🍅
- Garlic 🧄
- Onions 🧅
About This Recipe
Classic Egyptian Koshari is made with 14 ingredients and serves 8. It takes about 1 hr 50 mins and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Diced Tomatoes, and Ground Cumin. Each serving provides about 552.11 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Classic Egyptian Koshari made of?
- The main ingredients are Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Diced Tomatoes, Ground Cumin, Lentils. The full list of 14 is above.
- How long does it take to make Classic Egyptian Koshari?
- About 1 hr 50 mins in total: 15 mins to prepare and 1 hr 35 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 552.11 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Classic Egyptian Koshari easy to make?
- This recipe is rated medium, with 14 ingredients and 8 steps.
- Is Classic Egyptian Koshari healthy?
- Classic Egyptian Koshari has an easyChef Pro health score of 59/100. Per serving, it provides 552.11 calories and 16.82 g of protein, or 34% of the Daily Value. It is a good source of dietary fiber, iron and vitamin C. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 397.28 mg (17% of the Daily Value) and added sugars at 3.73 g (7% of the Daily Value). It contains Wheat, Gluten, Tomatoes, Garlic and Onions, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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