Egyptian Koshari Recipe

Step 1: To begin making the Egyptian Koshari Recipe, first prepare the Baharat spice blend

Step 2: To do this, dry roast the whole spices (excluding nutmeg) in a pan on medium heat, without burning them

Step 3: Cool them down and then grind into a powder in a mixer or coffee grinder, along with ground cinnamon and nutmeg

Step 4: Store in dry, airtight container and use as needed

Step 5: Next, prepare the rice

Step 6: To do this, warm some olive oil in a pan and add washed and drained rice to it

Step 7: Saute the rice for 5 minutes and add the vegetable stock or water and bring it to boil

Step 8: Then, cover the pan and cook on a low heat for 10-15 minutes or until rice is done

Step 9: Meanwhile, wash and soak brown lentils in enough water

Step 10: Cook them in a sauce pan, covered, for 30 minutes in a pan with garlic, cumin and bay leaf and 3 cups of water

Step 11: Alternatively cook in pressure cooker for 3 whistles with the same ingredients

Step 12: Once cooked, add salt and drain completely

Step 13: Set aside until later use

Step 14: Cook the macaroni/vermicelli as per packet instructions in a pot of water and set aside while you prepare the sauce

Step 15: To make the sauce, place a pan on the heat and add some olive oil

Step 16: When it is warm, add the garlic and onions and saute to cook on high heat for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown in color

Step 17: Add the tomato puree, baharat mix, salt, pepper, chilli flakes and red wine vinegar

Step 18: Cook, covered on medium heat for 15-20 minutes

Step 19: Now that all the components are ready, let's assemble the Koshari

Step 20: In a wide serving dish add cooked rice, lentils and macaroni/vermicelli

Step 21: Toss well until combined

Step 22: Serve it into individual bowls or plates, sprinkle some baharat masala over each serving and top with some spicy tomato sauce

Step 23: Add some garbanzo beans and crispy fried onions

Step 24: Serve Egyptian Koshari as a wholesome weeknight meal along with Light And Healthy Spinach Soup