Recipe Kushari From Egypt

Kushari

Kushari, also koshary, kosheri or koshari, is an Egyptian dish of rice, macaroni and lentils mixed together, topped with a tomato sauce, some add spaghetti garnished with chickpeas and crispy fried onions. A sprinkling of garlic juice and hot sauce are optional.

Kushari originated in the mid 19th century, during a time when Egypt was a multi-cultural country and the economy was booming. The lower-class' usually limited pantry became full with a myriad of ingredients: lentils, rice, macaroni, chickpeas, tomato sauce, onions, garlic, oil, etc. At the end of the month, families would usually have a little left of everything, so families would use it up by putting it all together into a tasty dish.

Ingredients:

2 cups rice

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 cup oil

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 hot chili pepper, cleaned and chopped

4 Tomatoes, ripe and chopped

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons vinegar

1 teaspoon cumin, ground

1 teaspoon salt (to taste)

1 onion, cut in rings

Pick over the lentils and wash well and drain. In a large pot add lentils and cover with cold water so the water is 3cm above the lentils. Bring to boil and reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 30 mins until tender. You make need to add more water through the cooking, stir occasionally. Cook the rice in your preferred method (I use a rice cook so its easy). If you want cook the rice in stock or add a stock cube. For the sauce heat 1/2 cup oil in large fry pan and saute the garlic and chilli for a few minuets Add the tomatoes, water and vinegr and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until cooked down - about 20 minutes. Bring a pot of salted water to the boil and cook the macaroni. Drain and set aside. Heat the remaining 1/2 cup oil and saute the onion until golden brown. You can also fry until crispy if you like. Remove and drain on paper towels. To serve the dish divide and layer ther lentils, then rice, then macaroni followed by the tomato sauce and fried onions.