Koshari

Koshary or koshari (كشري) is Egypt's national dish and a popular street food. The dish combines Italian and Middle Eastern culinary elements.

It is often served with; rice, macaroni, and lentils mixed together, topped with a spiced tomato sauce, garlic vinegar and garnished with chickpeas and crispy fried onions, sprinkles of garlic juice and hot sauce.

Koshary came about during the mid-19th century. It is somewhat related to Italian cuisine, but the Egyptian version of the dish has more ingredients and flavors. Especially, the local Egyptian sauce that gives it the unique taste the dish is popular for.

This dish is popular among workers and labourers. It may be prepared at home or, served at roadside stalls and restaurants in Egypt. Some restaurants specialize in koshary as an exclusive dish, while others feature it as one item among many.

Traditionally prepared koshary does not contain any animal products. Hence, it can be considered vegan, as long as all frying uses vegetable oil. It's not vegan if pasta contains eggs though, but is vegetarian and healthier than many fast foods.

In terms of its nutritional value, koshary is a good source of multi-grain carbohydrates and protein, and believe it or not it is not an excessively high calorie diet.

The name “Koshari” is actually from the Hindu “khichri”, which refers to a dish of lentils and rice.  When the British arrived in Egypt in the late 1800’s they brought this dish with them, it was cheap and filling. It didn’t take long before the dish was enthusiastically embraced by the Egyptian people who added the macaroni, spaghetti, check peas, tomato sauce, garlic vinegar and fried onion to have a different -rich in carbs- affordable dish. 

The idea of mixing these ingredients might sound strange until you taste it. Then you'll know why this dish is loved by Egyptians.

This authentic koshari recipe presents Egyptian street food at its best!