Koshari from Egypt, International Collab

lentils

🥗Healthier: green lentils

💰Cheaper: split peas

Green lentils are nutritious and split peas are often less expensive.

macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole grain pasta

💰Cheaper: elbow pasta

Whole grain pasta offers more fiber, while elbow pasta is often cheaper.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola oil is a budget-friendly alternative.

chickpeas

🥗Healthier: edamame

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Edamame is a protein-rich alternative, and canned beans are cost-effective.

Prepare a spice mix with 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 0.5 tsp nutmeg, 0.5 tsp coriander, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

Heat 0.5 cup canola oil in a saucepan and add sliced onions, cooking until crispy.

Remove crispy onions and save the oil for cooking lentils.

Add 4 cups of water to the oil and bring to a boil.

Add 1 cup of lentils and a little salt, cooking for about 20 minutes until moisture is absorbed.

Season 2 cups of basmati rice with a bit of the spice mix and salt, setting aside.

In a skillet, sauté a small chopped onion in oil, then add several teaspoons of minced garlic until fragrant.

Stir in 2 tbsp of the spice mixture, a little salt, a cinnamon stick, and a fresh bay leaf.

Add 2 cups of tomato sauce and cook for about 5 minutes.

Stir in 2 tbsp of distilled white vinegar and crushed red pepper, cooking on low for about 10 minutes.

Layer the dish starting with rice, followed by lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, and tomato sauce, then top with crispy onions and chopped parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens