How to Make the Perfect Egyptian Koshari Lentil Rice and Pasta
Egyptian · Medium · 70 min · 6 servings
Koshari is Egypts beloved national street food dish that layers rice, brown lentils, and short pasta together then tops everything with a tangy spiced tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It is a wholly plant-based powerhouse dish that is bold, filling, and unlike any other rice dish in the world.
Why this recipe works
This Egyptian Koshari Lentil Rice and Pasta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 70 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 cup short macaroni or elbow pasta
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Components Separately
Boil the lentils in salted water for 20 minutes until tender but not mushy. Cook the macaroni in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente then drain. Rinse the rice and cook it in 2.5 cups of water with a pinch of salt and cumin over low heat for 18 minutes. Keep all three warm separately.
Step 2: Fry the Onions
Pour enough vegetable oil to generously cover the bottom of a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and fry for 15 to 20 minutes stirring occasionally until they turn deeply golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon onto paper towels. Do not rush this step as the caramelized onions are essential to the final dish.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
In the same pan with some of the remaining onion oil, add the crushed tomatoes along with 2 minced garlic cloves, a splash of white vinegar, cumin, coriander, and salt. Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant. Adjust seasoning carefully.
Step 4: Layer and Serve
To assemble koshari, place a portion of rice in a wide bowl followed by a layer of lentils then a layer of macaroni. Ladle the tomato sauce generously over the top. Pile the crispy fried onions over everything. Serve with extra hot sauce and garlic vinegar on the side for each diner to customize.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- brown lentils → green lentils which hold their shape equally well and have a similar earthy flavor
- elbow macaroni → broken spaghetti or any short pasta shape that can be scooped easily with a spoon
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the lentils until they turn to mush which loses all textural contrast in the layered dish
- Skipping the vinegar in the tomato sauce which is essential for the bright tangy flavor that balances the starchy components
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 18g protein, 88g carbs, 9g fat, 12g fiber.
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