Koshery

Koshery Recipe - A Delicious Vegetarian Dish from Egypt

Region / culture: Egypt | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Koshery is a traditional Egyptian dish that is a delicious combination of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and a flavorful tomato sauce. This dish is hearty, filling, and packed with protein and fiber.

History

Koshery has been a staple in Egyptian cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the 19th century during the time of British colonization in Egypt. The dish was created as a way to use up leftover ingredients and create a filling meal for the working class.

Ingredients

2 cups of uncooked medium-grain rice
2 cups of uncooked small pasta such as ditalini
0.5 cup of uncooked brown lentils
1 can of chickpeas
1 can of pasta or tomato sauce
1 large yellow onion, diced well
6 – 8 cloves of garlic, to taste
red pepper powder
vinegar, to taste
salt, to taste
0.25 cup of cooking oil
2 tsp of extra virgin olive oil

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, heat cooking oil and add diced onions.
Cook the onions until they are almost burnt and very crispy.
Remove the onions and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Save the leftover oil for the rice.
Cook the rice as directed on the package and add the oil you used to cook the onions to the rice water. Set aside.
Cook the pasta as directed and set aside.
Cook the lentils until tender and set aside. Remember to add a dash of salt to taste.
While your rice, lentils, and pasta are cooking, make your sauce.
Peel and dice the garlic cloves.
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil, then add garlic and sauté until brown and there is a nice nutty smell.
Add the tomato or pasta sauce (I like to use Ragu pasta sauce).
Once the sauce is hot, add red pepper to taste and vinegar. I use 0.25 to 0.5 cup of vinegar. Traditional Koshery has 0.5 cup. If I have friends over who are new to Egyptian food, I reduce the amount. Adjust according to your taste. Add salt to taste.
Warm the chickpeas in the microwave or on the stove and drain the water.
On a large serving dish, spoon out the rice flat. Next, do the same with the pasta, then the lentils and chickpeas. Pour the sauce over everything and top with onions.
Enjoy.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or beef for a meatier version of Koshery.
Top with a dollop of yogurt or tahini sauce for added creaminess.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the onions until they are crispy and almost burnt for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of vinegar in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- Be sure to season the lentils with salt while cooking to enhance their flavor.

- Use a good quality tomato sauce for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Koshery with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the onions until they are crispy for the best flavor.

- Cook the lentils until tender but not mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white rice instead of medium-grain rice if preferred.

- Substitute black beans for chickpeas if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Koshery can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Koshery in a large serving dish with the rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas arranged in separate sections. Top with the tomato sauce and crispy onions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Koshery pairs well with a refreshing glass of mint tea or a cold glass of lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Koshery is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and folate.

Alergens

Contains gluten from the pasta and may contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Koshery is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Koshery is a delicious and nutritious Egyptian dish that is easy to make and perfect for a hearty meal. Enjoy the flavors of this traditional dish with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the bustling city of Cairo. My mother would take me to the local market every weekend, where we would wander through the stalls filled with vibrant fruits and vegetables, fragrant spices, and freshly baked bread.

One day, as we were browsing the market, a kind old woman approached us. She was dressed in a colorful headscarf and a long flowing dress, and she had a warm smile on her face. She introduced herself as Fatma, and told us that she was a cook who specialized in traditional Egyptian cuisine. She had heard my mother and I talking about how much we loved to cook, and she offered to teach us one of her favorite recipes - Koshery.

I had never heard of Koshery before, but my mother was familiar with the dish. She explained that it was a popular street food in Egypt, made with a delicious mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and crispy fried onions, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and tangy vinegar dressing. It sounded like a feast for the senses, and I couldn't wait to learn how to make it.

Fatma invited us to her small apartment that afternoon, where she had all the ingredients laid out and ready to go. She showed us how to cook the lentils until they were soft and creamy, how to fry the onions until they were golden and crispy, and how to make the tomato sauce with just the right amount of heat and spice.

As we cooked, Fatma shared stories of her own childhood in Cairo, and how she had learned to make Koshery from her own mother and grandmother. She talked about the importance of passing down recipes from generation to generation, and how food was a way to connect with our cultural heritage and create memories with loved ones.

By the time the Koshery was ready, I was practically drooling with anticipation. Fatma served us each a heaping plateful, and as I took my first bite, I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Koshery countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who always rave about how delicious and comforting it is. And every time I make it, I think back to that day in the market, when I first learned how to make this wonderful dish from the kind and generous Fatma.

Now, as I pass this recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will continue the tradition of making Koshery with love and care. May it bring you as much joy and nourishment as it has brought me over the years. And may you always remember the power of food to connect us to our past, and to create lasting memories with those we hold dear.