Kushari (Egyptian)

Kushari is a delicious  Egyptian vegetarian dish akin to  Indian Dal Khichadi flavoured  with  spice mix called 'Baharat'. 

To make Baharat mix together-

1 tbsp black pepper powder

1 tbsp cumin powder

2 tbsp coriander powder

1 tbsp kashmiri chili powder

1/2 tsp ground cardamom 

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Ingredients

1 cup rice

1/2 cup lentils (Sabut masoor)

(washed and soaked together for half an hour in 2 cups of water) 

1 and 1/2 cup small pasta

For the sauce

1 tbsp  olive oil

200 gm tomato puree

1 onion chopped

6 cloves garlic finely chopped

1 tbsp baharat

1 tbsp finely chopped basil

1/4 tsp sugar

salt to taste

For garnish-

2 onions finely sliced

oil for frying

Fry the sliced onions til dark brown. Drain on a paper towel.

Pressure cook rice and lentils with some salt for 1 whistle.  

Prepare the pasta as per the instructions. Add olive oil, little salt and pepper to the drained pasta.

 To make the sauce

In oil, saute onion and garlic til they turn pink.

Add tomato puree, basil, baharat, salt and sugar and simmer for 2 mins.

To Serve

Place pasta in a plate, add a layer of rice and lentils, pour the sauce and garnish with fried onions.

Enjoy kushari with fresh leafy salad!

Comfort redefined!