koshari Recipe (Egyptian Lentil & Rice Dish)
"Learn how to make authentic Egyptian Coshari with lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas. Easy, vegan-friendly, and perfect for a hearty meal!"
Introduction
Coshari is one of Egypt’s most beloved street foods, a hearty and flavorful dish made with lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas, topped with crispy fried onions and a tangy tomato sauce. This vegan-friendly recipe is easy to make at home and perfect for a filling lunch or dinner. Whether you’re exploring Egyptian cuisine for the first time or looking for a wholesome vegetarian meal, this Coshari recipe brings authentic flavors right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 cup rice, rinsed
- 1 cup macaroni (small elbow or broken spaghetti)
- 2 cups chickpeas, cooked or canned
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chili flakes, fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook lentils: Boil lentils in water until tender but not mushy (about 20–25 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Cook rice: In a separate pot, cook rice with a pinch of salt until fluffy.
- Cook pasta: Boil macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Fry onions: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan and fry onions until golden brown and crispy. Set half aside for garnish.
- Prepare tomato sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes, add tomato sauce, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
- Layer the dish: In a serving dish, layer lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas. Pour the tomato sauce over the top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle crispy onions and fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic vinegar or hot sauce on the side.
- Works well with a side salad or flatbread.
- Can be a main meal or part of a larger Egyptian-themed spread.
FAQs
1. Can I make Coshari vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan if you use vegetable oil and no animal-based additives.
2. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, cook all ingredients in advance and assemble just before serving. Keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days.
3. Can I use canned lentils?
Yes, but reduce cooking time as canned lentils are already soft.
4. How spicy is this dish?
Traditionally, it’s mild; you can add chili flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
Similar Recipes
- Koshari with Spicy Tomato Sauce – a spicier Egyptian version.
- Egyptian Lentil Soup – simple lentil-based comfort food.
- Ful Medames – classic Egyptian fava bean dish.
- Mujadara – lentils and rice with caramelized onions.
- Chickpea and Rice Pilaf – another protein-packed vegetarian dish.

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