Hey there, Foodie! Today, I want to take you on a flavorful adventure to Egypt, where I recently discovered a dish that stole my heart: Koshari. Now, as someone from Indonesia with no prior knowledge of Egyptian cuisine, diving into the world of Koshari was like embarking on a culinary treasure hunt.
Let me tell you a bit about its history. Koshari has been a staple in Egyptian households for generations, beloved for its simplicity and hearty flavors. It's a beautiful mishmash of lentils, rice, pasta, and crispy fried onions, all brought together with a tangy tomato sauce and a hint of garlic. It's the kind of dish that warms your soul and leaves you craving for more.
Now, I must give credit where it's due. My journey into mastering the art of Koshari wouldn't have been possible without Mama Zizi, my boyfriend's mom. With her guidance, I learned the importance of patience and precision in crafting this delectable dish. especially when it comes to the "fried onion" part. For the first-two rounds, I made mistakes and failed tremendously. The third time I tried to make the fried onion, it turned out amazing. The key is: that you gotta use plenty of oil and wait until the oil is totally hot, then only you can fry your onion.
What I love most about Koshari is its versatility. It's a meal fit for any occasion – whether you're craving a comforting dinner after a long day or hosting a gathering with friends. Plus, it's incredibly budget-friendly, making it a favorite among students and families alike.
So, if you're curious about Egyptian cuisine or simply looking to expand your culinary horizons, I highly recommend giving Koshari a try. Trust me, one bite and you'll be hooked on its irresistible flavors!
Dive into the flavors of Egypt with this hearty and satisfying dish. Koshari combines rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas, topped with a zesty tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It's a dish that's as comforting as it is flavorful, perfect for a cozy night in or impressing your friends with your culinary skills.
Fried Onion
- 1 kg Onion (Big red onion will give stronger flavor compare to yellow onion)
- 1 L Cooking oil (use high heat cooking oil such as palm oil)
- 2 Tbsp salt
Tomato Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Cooking oil
- 1 pc Onion (small size, grated)
- 4 pcs Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 0.5 tsp Red Pepper flakes (crushed)
- 200 gr Tomato paste (a bit extra is fine)
- 2 Tbsp White Vinegar
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp pepper (adjust to taste)
Koshari Mix
- 1 cup Brown Lentils (rinsed, soaked 15 mins, par-boiled (see instruction below))
- 2 cup Rice (calrose rice is preferred (see instruction below))
- 2 cup Elbow Pasta (cooked al-dente (see instruction below))
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Pepper
- 0.5 tsp Corriander powder
- 1 Tbsp Cooking oil
- 400 gr Chickpeas (cooked or canned)
- Enough Water to boil these ingredients
Keywords:
koshari, rice, lentil, elbow pasta, chickpea