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Koshari

A hearty Egyptian street-food classic: rice and lentils topped with chickpeas, crispy onions, and a tangy tomato sauce. This version adds a fresh crunch with radish, peanuts, and green onion, plus a creamy tahini drizzle.

Total time
40 min
Servings
4
Calories
420
Protein
15g
Koshari
comfort foodsatisfyingEgyptianMiddle Easternveganvegetariandairy-freelegumes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice
  • ½ cup brown lentils
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 3 medium radishes
  • ¼ cup peanuts

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse the 1 cup rice and 1/2 cup lentils together, then soak in water for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, slice the 1 large onion thinly and set aside.

  2. 2

    In a pot, combine the drained rice and lentils with 2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. The grains should be fluffy and separate.

  3. 3

    While that cooks, heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring often, until deep golden and crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

  4. 4

    In the same skillet, add the 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and a pinch of pepper. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. It should coat a spoon.

  5. 5

    In a small bowl, whisk the 2 tbsp tahini with 2 tbsp water and a squeeze of lemon (if you have it) until smooth. Thin with more water if needed.

  6. 6

    To serve, spoon the rice-lentil mixture onto plates. Top with the drained chickpeas, crispy onions, sliced radishes, and 1/4 cup peanuts. Drizzle with the tomato sauce and tahini dressing, and garnish with chopped green onion if you like.

Tools you’ll need

  • pot with lid
  • skillet
  • small bowl
  • knife
  • cutting board

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