Quick Weeknights · Egyptian
Koshary
This Egyptian staple combines lentils, rice, and pasta with a sharp, spicy tomato sauce. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that defines true comfort.
Why This Works
The mix of textures and the balance between the earthy lentils and sharp spicy tomato sauce is legendary.
The Upgrade
Add a tablespoon of red wine vinegar to the tomato sauce for extra tang.
Chef's Secret
Michelin TechniqueSave the oil used to fry the onions; use it as the base for your tomato sauce to infuse deep onion flavor throughout.
Ingredients
Total time including resting: 45 min
Directions
Boil lentils in 3 cups of water until tender (about 20 minutes), then drain, reserving liquid.
20 minCook rice in the reserved lentil liquid until fluffy, about 15 minutes.
15 minBoil pasta in salted water according to package directions, then drain.
8 minFry the sliced onions in vegetable oil over medium-high heat until deeply golden and crispy; remove and drain.
10 minIn the same pan, sauté garlic with cumin and chili flakes for 1 minute until fragrant.
1 minAdd tomato sauce to the garlic pan, simmering for 5 minutes until thickened.
5 minAssemble the bowls: layer rice, lentils, and pasta, then top with the spicy tomato sauce and crispy onions.
Wine Pairing
Primitivo
Red Wine
The BottleGianfranco Fino Es Primitivo di Manduria
This fruit-forward, bold wine complements the intensity of the spiced tomato sauce. Its supple texture avoids exacerbating the heat while highlighting the lentil's heartiness.
Nutrition per Serving
550
calories
18g
protein
95g
carbs
12g
fat
Make It a Complete Meal
Sides the kitchen recommends alongside this dish.
Side Dish
Shredded Cabbage Salad
Toss cabbage with a touch of garlic and lemon juice to add a crisp, light texture that balances the heavy carbohydrate profile of the Koshary.
Ingredients
Directions
Place the shredded cabbage in a large chilled mixing bowl.
Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, microplaned garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage immediately before serving.
Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is lightly coated.
Adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring the acidity balances the earthiness of the Koshary.
Side Dish
Garlicky Chili Oil
A spoonful of homemade chili oil on the side allows guests to adjust the heat level, enhancing the bold, spicy tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Directions
Combine neutral oil and sliced garlic in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Sauté gently until the garlic turns a pale golden brown, approximately 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika.
Let the mixture steep for 5 minutes as the residual heat toasts the spices.
Whisk in the kosher salt and toasted sesame oil to finish.
Cool to room temperature before transferring to a glass jar for service.
Member Reviews
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Tastes like something you'd pay 30 dollars for at a restaurant.