Koshary Egypt's National Dish

Koshary: Egypt's National Dish

Koshary is a popular Egyptian dish that is made with rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and a tomato sauce. It is typically topped with fried onions, garlic, and a vinegar dressing. Koshary is a filling and affordable meal that is often served as a street food or in restaurants.

The origins of koshary are unclear, but it is thought to have originated in Egypt in the late 19th century. The dish is said to have been created by a poor cook who wanted to create a meal that was both filling and affordable. Koshary quickly became popular among the working class in Egypt, and it is now considered to be the national dish of the country.

Koshary is a versatile dish that can be customized to taste. Some people like to add vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or carrots, to their koshary. Others like to add eggs or cheese. Koshary can also be made with different types of pasta, such as macaroni or spaghetti.

No matter how it is made, koshary is a delicious and satisfying meal. It is a great source of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Koshary is also a relatively inexpensive dish, making it a popular choice for students and budget-minded eaters.

How to Make Koshary

To make koshary, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 cup pasta
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice, lentils, and pasta according to the package directions.
2. Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the cooked rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas to the pan. Stir to combine.
5. Serve hot.

Koshary Variations

There are many different variations of koshary. Some popular variations include:

• Koshary with eggs: This variation is made by adding hard-boiled eggs to the koshary.

   

• Koshary with cheese: This variation is made by adding shredded cheese to the koshary.

   

• Koshary with vegetables: This variation is made by adding chopped vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or carrots, to the koshary.

   

Conclusion

Koshary is a delicious and satisfying dish that is a popular choice for people of all ages in Egypt. It is a filling and affordable meal that is also a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. If you are looking for a new and exciting dish to try, be sure to give koshary a try.

I hope you enjoyed this article about Egyptian koshary food!