Baltimore-Style Kushari

Ingredients

In the Baltimore-Style Kushari, we incorporate Baltimorean elements to give the dish a unique twist. Instead of using traditional Egyptian spices, we infuse the tomato sauce with Old Bay seasoning, a signature spice blend of Baltimore. Additionally, we caramelize the onions to add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor, which is not typically done in the original Kushari. We alse have the original recipe for Kushari, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (185g) rice 1 cup (185g) rice
• 1 cup (200g) lentils 1 cup (200g) lentils
• 1 cup (150g) elbow macaroni 1 cup (150g) elbow macaroni
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups (480ml) tomato sauce 2 cups (480ml) tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 80g, 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the rice, lentils, and macaroni separately according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally. Remove half of the caramelized onions and set aside for garnish.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add the tomato sauce and Old Bay seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt to taste.
4. 4.
   In a large serving bowl, layer the cooked rice, lentils, and macaroni. Pour the tomato sauce over the top.
5. 5.
   Garnish with the reserved caramelized onions and fresh parsley.
6. 6.
   Serve the Baltimore-Style Kushari hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Rinse and sort the lentils before cooking to remove any debris.
• Elbow macaroni — Cook the macaroni until al dente to ensure it retains its texture in the final dish.
• Tomato sauce — If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sauté the cooked lentils in a little olive oil before layering them in the bowl.
• If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can toast the cooked rice in a dry skillet for a few minutes before assembling the dish.
• Feel free to customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of Old Bay seasoning to suit your taste.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. The flavors tend to meld together even more, making it even more delicious.

Serving advice

Serve Baltimore-Style Kushari as a main dish, accompanied by a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional fresh parsley over the dish just before serving. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness and make the dish visually appealing.