Koshari is the kind of comfort food that feels like a hug in a bowl: cozy carbs, tangy garlic vinegar, and that spicy tomato sauce that makes you go back for “just one more bite.”
Try this Amazing Egyptian Koshari Recipe for a taste of authentic comfort food.
Protein Score for Amazing Egyptian Koshari Recipe
Protein per serving (estimated, as written): ???? Balanced (10 to 25g)
(Koshari isn’t meant to be “protein-heavy”, but lentils do real work here.)
???? Balanced: 10 to 25g protein per serving
Protein Boost (optional)
Want it more protein-forward without ruining the vibe?
- Add 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed, warmed in the tomato sauce
- Top with 2 fried eggs (one per bowl) for a classic “meal upgrade.”
- Serve with Greek yogurt garlic drizzle (sounds odd, tastes amazing with the spice + vinegar)
- Add shredded chicken or ground turkey spiced with baharat on the side (if you want a non-vegan option)
Why you will love this dish
- Layered textures = the whole point: soft rice + tender lentils + pasta + crispy onions
- Garlic + vinegar keeps everything bright, so it doesn’t feel heavy
- Baharat gives the tomato sauce that warm Middle Eastern depth (not just “tomato-y”)
Amazing Egyptian Koshari Recipe (Rice + Lentils with Spiced Tomato Sauce)
Ingredients
Lentils + Rice Base
- 1 ½ cups brown lentils
- 1 garlic clove crushed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon salt add after cooking
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups basmati rice
- 1 ½ cups stock vegetable for vegan, or chicken/beef
- 1 cup chopped parsley use less if you want it subtle
- Salt + pepper to taste
Caramelized Onions
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 4 white onions thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoon ground coriander or coriander seeds
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt pinch helps onions sweat
Spicy Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves crushed
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon baharat spice blend
- ⅓ cup vinegar
- 1 ½ cups tomato juice or crushed tomatoes + splash of water
Instructions
Caramelize onions
- Heat oil in a wide pan over medium. Add onions + pinch of salt + coriander.
- Cook slowly, stirring often, until deeply golden (about 25–35 minutes).
- Add sugar during the last 5–10 minutes to help them caramelize.
- Reserve half for topping. Keep the rest for mixing into the base.
Make the spicy tomato sauce
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add garlic, cumin, and baharat. Stir 30–60 seconds.
- Add vinegar and tomato juice. Simmer 5–8 minutes. Taste and adjust salt.
Cook rice
- Heat 2 tablespoon olive oil in a pot. Add rice and fry 2 minutes.
- Add stock, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 15 minutes.
- Rest 5 minutes off heat, then fluff.
Cook lentils
- Rinse lentils. Add to pot with 2 cups water, garlic, cumin, bay leaf.
- Simmer 20–30 minutes until tender (not mushy).
- Salt at the end. Drain excess liquid if needed.
Assemble
- In a big pot or bowl: combine rice + lentils + chopped parsley + the “mix-in” caramelized onions.
Optional: fold in cooked pasta (classic koshari move).
- Serve topped with remaining caramelized onions and plenty of tomato sauce.
Notes
Optional but classic add-on (recommended for authenticity)
-
Small pasta (macaroni or ditalini), cooked and drained
- Use about 1 ½ to 2 cups cooked pasta to match your rice/lentil volume
Texture Guard
Koshari can get mushy fast, so here’s how to keep it perfect:
- Cook lentils until tender, not collapsing (you want bite)
- Rice needs to be fluffy and separate (fry it in oil 2 minutes first like you’re doing)
- Keep onions separate until serving so they stay crisp
- If the sauce tastes flat, it usually needs more vinegar or salt, not more spice
Storage + Meal Prep
- Fridge: 4 days (store base, sauce, and onions separately if possible)
- Freezer: 2 months (freeze base + sauce; onions freeze poorly)
- Reheat:
- Microwave with a splash of water/stock
- Or skillet reheat with a spoon of sauce to loosen
- Meal prep tip: portion bowls, keep onions in a small container, add right before eating so they stay crisp.
FAQ
What is koshari made of?
Koshari is an Egyptian comfort dish made with rice, lentils (and often pasta), topped with spiced tomato sauce, garlic vinegar, and crispy onions.
Is koshari vegan?
Yes if you use vegetable stock and fry the onions in vegetable oil.
Do I have to add pasta?
No, but pasta is traditional in classic koshari. If you want the full street-food vibe, add a small pasta shape.
What can I use instead of baharat?
Use a mix of cumin + coriander + cinnamon + paprika. It won’t be identical but it keeps the warm flavor profile.
Why does my koshari taste bland?
It usually needs more salt and vinegar. The sauce should be tangy and bold to balance the rice and lentils.
Can I make koshari ahead of time?
Yes. It’s even better the next day. Store onions separately for crunch.
Is koshari healthy?
It’s a balanced comfort meal: lentils add fiber and plant protein. Portion size and toppings decide how “light” it feels.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Skip the pasta or use gluten-free pasta.
Try These Next
- Tomato and Basil Keto Quiche Crust (your low-carb crust reference)
- Bacon Spinach Quiche (with low-carb crust option)
- Chimichurri Turkey Burgers (for a high-protein dinner)
- Garlicky Shrimp Mofongo (no fry method)
If you are cooking protein-forward after 45, check out my other high-protein recipes and meal ideas on the blog.
Cook With Love, Eat With Joy!
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I haven't heard of this spice mix before but looking at the ingredient list, this whole thing sounds delicious! I know you said that the star is that tomato sauce, but those crispy onions sound pretty yummy too!! Love how healthy this is too - definitely a great way to start the week (especially after weekend eats 😉 ).
Hey Dawn, to my surprise very flavorful and filling I did not missed the meat at all!
Interesting. I've been to Egypt twice, but I didn't try this dish. I love the combo of rice abd beans so I would definitely like this rice lentil recipe. Sounds really good!
I was really good! I was really surprised!
This sounds like such a fun and flavorful meal, Gaila! I've never heard of Bahārāt, but I enjoy hearing about new spice blends. We're on full-out detox mode here after our vacation, and this sounds like a tasty meal that is still packed with flavor! I love the addition of the lentils in this one. Yum!!
I do hope you had a blast on your vacation, too bad they ended! This will be perfect for a detox menu! Have a great week!