Bringing People Together with Koshari - A Heartwarming Recipe from "The Kindness Jar"

Hello, my fellow food lovers! Today, I have a special treat for you that warm your heart. I want to take you on a journey inspired by the beautiful story of "The Kindness Jar". A beloved Egyptian delicacy that is easy to make and utterly delicious. So, are you ready to immerse yourself in a story of love, kindness, and flavor?

The Origins of Koshari:

Before we dive into the recipe, let's travel back in time to the bustling streets of Cairo, where Koshari originated. Imagine the vibrant colors, the sounds of the busy markets, and the aroma of spices that fill the air.

Koshari is a true representation of the melting pot of cultures and influences that make Egypt such a unique and beautiful country. With a combination of rice, pasta, lentils, and caramelized onions, all dressed in a tangy tomato sauce, Koshari is a humble yet extraordinary dish that has captured the hearts of many.

The Essence of Koshari:

What makes Koshari so special, you ask? Well, it's all about the layers of flavors and textures that come together in a beautiful symphony. Each ingredient brings its unique character and blends harmoniously with the rest. The rice provides a comforting base, the pasta adds a delightful chewiness, the lentils offer a protein boost and earthy flavor, and the onions infuse a sweetness that balances the tanginess of the tomato sauce. Trust me, once you try Koshari, you'll fall in love with it!

The Recipe:

• 1 cup dried lentils

• 1 cup rice

• 1 cup elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)

• Salt, to taste

• Pepper, to taste

• Water, for boiling and cooking

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt, to taste

• Pepper, to taste

For the Garnish:

• Fried onions

• Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the lentils. Cook until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.

3. Cook the elbow macaroni in a separate pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until golden brown.

5. Add the tomato paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, red chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion mixture.

6. Add the cooked lentils, cooked rice, and cooked chickpeas to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the ingredients with the tomato and spice mixture. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

7. For the tomato sauce, heat vegetable oil in a separate saucepan. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent.

8. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

9. To serve, place a generous portion of the lentil, rice, and chickpea mixture (Koshari) in a bowl or plate. Top it with some elbow macaroni. Drizzle tomato sauce over the Koshari. Garnish with fried onions and chopped parsley.

10. Enjoy your homemade Koshari!