1.5cupswateradjust as required to cook the rice and vermicelli
Layer 2-Lentil
⅔cupbrown lentil
1bay leaf
3cupswaterapproximately
Layer 3-Pasta
⅔cupelbow macaroni
Water to boil macaroni
Salt as per taste
Layer 4-chickpeas
1.5cupsboiled/ canned chickpeas
Layer 5- tomato sauce
1cuptomato sauce
1large tomatofinely chopped
5garlic clovesminced
½tablespooncoriander powder
½tablespooncumin powder
1teaspoonchili flakes
1teaspoonvinegar
½teaspoonsugar
Salt as per taste
Layer 6-Birista (fried onions)
1largeonionthinly sliced
½teaspooncornflour
Oil for frying
Koshari dressing
1cupwater
2tbspwhite vinegar
1teaspooncoriander powder
1teaspooncumin powder
1teaspoonred chili powder
1teaspoonred chili flakes
3garlic clovesminced
Salt as per taste
Instructions
Layer 1 -Rice & Vermicelli
Heat olive oil in a pot, fry onion till it starts turning brown. Add vermicelli and fry for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Wash rice nicely and drain the water. Add rice to the vermicelli pot and fry for 2-3 minutes. Now add in the salt and water. Cook till the rice is done. Keep aside.
Layer 2-Lentil
Wash and soak lentil in warm water for 15-20 minutes. In a pot add soaked lentil, water, bay leaf, and salt. Cook till the lentil is 90% done. We don’t want mushy lentil for Koshari.
Drain out the excess water with a strainer. Don’t throw away the water. It can be used to cook the rice layer which will add extra flavor to the rice. However, if you are planning to use this water, cook lentil before cooking the rice.
Layer 3- Pasta
Add pasta to the boiling water and cook al dente. Keep aside.
Layer 4- Chickpeas
Take the boiled/ canned chickpeas in a bowl and warm it in a microwave before serving.
Layer 5- Tomato sauce
In a saucepan put all the ingredients of the sauce and cook for around 15 minutes. Switch off the gas and keep the sauce aside.
Layer 6 – Birista (Fried onions)
Thinly slice one onion, sprinkle some cornflour, and mix well. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the onions till they turn golden brown.
Take out the onions on a tissue paper and spread the onion strings when they are still hot otherwise they will stick together. Let them come to room temperature.
Serving
Take a serving plate and spread a layer of rice & vermicelli on it. Put lentil on top of it followed by pasta, chickpeas, sauce, and fried onions. Pour dressing at the end depending on your taste.
Serve warm and enjoy the awesome national dish of Egypt. While eating dig into the lowest layer and ensure that each spoon has a bit of every layer and dressing on it.