Kushari - Egyptian Comfort Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) rice 1 cup (200g) rice
• 1 cup (200g) lentils 1 cup (200g) lentils
• 1 cup (200g) macaroni or penne pasta 1 cup (200g) macaroni or penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste Pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• Chili sauce, to taste Chili sauce, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat: 8g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 70g (5g sugars)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the rice, lentils, and pasta separately according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove half of the onions and set aside for garnish.
3. 3.
   To the remaining onions in the pan, add the minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the crushed tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   In a serving bowl, layer the cooked rice, lentils, and pasta.
6. 6.
   Pour the tomato sauce generously over the grains and legumes.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the white vinegar and chili sauce over the top, according to your taste preference.
8. 8.
   Garnish with the reserved crispy onions and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful fusion of textures and tastes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris. Cook them until they are tender but not mushy.
• Pasta — Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the other ingredients.
• Tomato sauce — Adjust the spices and seasonings according to your taste preference. You can add a pinch of cinnamon or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• Customize the toppings to your liking by adding chopped pickles, fried eggplant, or roasted vegetables.
• To save time, you can use canned lentils instead of cooking them from scratch.
• Make a larger batch of the tomato sauce and freeze it in portions for future use.
• Serve Kushari with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve Kushari hot in individual bowls, allowing each person to customize their toppings according to their preference. Provide extra chili sauce and vinegar on the side for those who enjoy a spicier and tangier flavor.

Presentation advice

To present Kushari beautifully, layer the rice, lentils, and pasta neatly in the bowl. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the grains and legumes, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Top with the crispy fried onions and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an appetizing visual appeal.