Kushari

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This was our favourite meal while travelling in Egypt. Read about Kushari

It is the fast food alternative, taking only minutes to serve. It consisted of a combination of macaroni, short noodles and rice, served in a small or large bowl with crispy fried onions, chick peas, black lentils and a tomato based sauce. Chilli and lemon juice are added to your own taste. There can be varieties with tuna and chicken. Absolutely delicious. Kushari is enjoyed especially during meatless days. Colourful carts pulled by the sellers of Kushari are found in the heavily populated residential areas of Cairo.

Ingredients (serves 8)

Main Dish 3 large onions -- sliced 1 quart water -- divided Oil for frying 2 cups rice 2 teaspoons salt 1 1/2 cups brown lentils 8 ounces small macaroni one small can of chick peas

Sauce 6 cloves minced garlic 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1 can tomato paste (6 oz) 2 teaspoons cumin Chili red pepper (if you like it hot!) 1 cup chopped parsley 1 cup chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) 2 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Saute onions until brown. Drain on paper towels. Put 3 cups water in a pot with a few drops oil. Bring to a boil. Add rice and 1 teaspoon salt. After water returns to a boil, lower heat. Simmer until done. Wash lentils. Then boil until tender. Boil macaroni until tender. Drain. Boil chick peas and add it to the cooked macroni. To serve, layer rice, lentils, and macaroni. Spread sauce on top and garnish with fried onions.

for the sauce: In a blender, puree minced garlic, two tablespoon olive oil, vinegar, tomato paste, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, cumin, parsley, coriander, 1 cup of water, and chili pepper, if desired. Blend well. Cook until mixture boils. Lower heat, Simmer until cooked. This sauce you can store in a jar in the refrigerator, and it will keep for months.

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