#Food

Koshari - National Dish of Egypt

Koshari or Kushari is basically national dish of Egypt. In every occasions this dish is made in every Egyptian house. It is served with rice, macaroni, lentils, boiled beans blend with some special Middle-Eastern spices topped with tomato sauce and fried onions. According to history, there was street vendors called "Koshari man", who used to sell this from their cart van, around Egypt. From them this dish becomes so famous that now it is becomes National dish. 

Aziz Awad, who used to be on street to sale this amazing creation, now he works at downtown restaurant. there is also thing, which koshari man used to do, they serves this dish in an unique way, they grab a bowl, and scoops little of each ingredients into the bowl.. it takes hardly five to six minutes to assemble all of the ingredients. Almost every Egyptians knows it is being made in downtown street. According to Heba Fatten Bizzari every koshari man knows the values of their metal spoon against the sides of the bowls, creating koshari symphony that never can be heard anywhere else. When a koshari man prepares meal for people, the restaurant fills with the symphony as it was like rehearsal of concert. 

     

This can not be declared as national dish though, as this is not actually origin from Egypt. It is believed that Koshari is originated from India and dates back to time of the British empowerment in India. The name "Koshari" actually comes from "Hindu Khichri", which is made with rice and lentils using with minimal spices. In India "Khichri" is being served in many purpose like as "Prasad" or "Bhog" in front of  idols, as wholesome food to patients and many more. When British arrived in Egypt in late 1800's, they brought this with them. it was an inexpensive and filling with good amount of nutritional value. It did not take long time for having this enthusiastically embraced by Egypt people. The main attraction of this dish is the flavor full spicy Tomato sauce. It is made with some special middle-eastern spices("Baharat" in Arabic). just a pinch the it, adds the depth and heaven into sauce, stews, soup, meat and "Koshari" becomes favorite meal among the Egypt.

Recipe - Koshari 

Cuisine: Egypt

Ingredients:

• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 cup medium grain rice
• 1 cup brown lentils
• 2 cups small macaroni
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 garlic clove, quartered
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• salt to taste
• For Sauce:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced finely
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 can unseasoned tomato sauce
• Red wine vinegar
• 2 tbs Baharat spice (spice link : https://www.daringgourmet.com/baharat-middle-eastern-spice-blend/ )
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can garbanzo beans
• 2 onions finely sliced, deep fried

How to make:

1. Heat 2 tbs olive oil in medium sauce pan over medium to high heat. Add rice and fry it for 2 minutes, then add vegetable stock. bring it to boil and decrease the heat to low temperature. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked. 
2. Rinse the lentils in cold water and add in another medium sauce pan, adds 2 cups of water with cumin, bay leaf, garlic and bring it to boil. reduce the heat to low and simmer it for 20-30 minutes or until the lentils are completely tender. Then add salt to taste and stir it to combine. strain the excess water if needed.
3. Cook the macaroni as above mentioned way until it is cooked.
4. Prepare the rice, lentils and macaroni while making the sauce and simmering on the low heat.
5. For sauce: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in medium sauce pan over medium to high heat. Add onins and cook until it becomes tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and saute it until becomes golden brown. Add the tomato sauce, Baharat spices, salt, pepper to taste, chili flakes, red wine vinegar and stir to combine it. Bring it to boil and simmer it for 20-30 minutes by stirring continuously.
6. To make crispy onions fry, heat the oil in heavy bottom pan, add onions and fry it until it changes the color to brown. discard this on paper towel to drain out excess oil and cool down.
7. Add Rice, lentils, macaroni into a large bowl and combine it together by using spoon. Sprinkle some Baharat spices. Topped with spicy tomato sauce, garbanzo beans and crispy onion fries. The "Koshari" is ready to serve.  

**Do try this at home and let me know in the comment section below. Thanks for reading**