Koshari

Koshari is a popular traditional Egyptian dish, served in fast-food style restaurants and by street corner venders throughout the country. One of the most famous dishes in Egypt, koshari is an easy and inexpensive dish to make, though it does use up several pots :)

Koshari is a vegan dish, created by the Coptic Christians of Egypt, who spend 200+ days a year on a meat free fast. While some fast food stalls add meat today, the traditional dish does not contain animal products. It is your choice as to if you want to change things up, in which case I would suggest something region appropriate, like chicken or lamb.

Traditionally you would mix the pasta, rice, and lentils together and place the sauce on top when serving, but it's easier to just mix it all together like a goulash. Personally, I enjoy adding a bit of cheese to my meal, but this dish is just fine without.

Recipe
1 cup small pasta
1 cup lentils (make sure you wash them!)
1 cup rice
2 14-oz cans vegetable broth (or chicken if you prefer)
2 diced onions
3 cloves minced garlic
1 14-oz can garbanzo beans (chickpeas, drained of liquid and washed)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp red chili pepper
2 14-oz cans diced tomatoes
1 8-oz can tomato sauce

1. In a medium-large pot, cook the lentils in the broth.
   
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
   
3. When lentils have cooked add the rice, then simmer until the rice is done. Add water to the pot as needed.
   
4. In a separate pot, cook the pasta and strain when finished
   
5. In a large pot (I used my pressure cooker), cook the onions, garlic, and cumin until the onions are carmelized.
   
6. Add the tomatoes, garbanzo beans, and chili powder, then simmer for 10-20 minutes.
7. Mix the lentils, rice, and pasta into the pot with the sauce, adding the tomato sauce so that everything is mixed evenly.
   
8. Serve and enjoy!

Note: if you feel there's too much chili powder or that it tastes harsh, add a bit of lemon juice to the mix to balance everything out :)