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The Recipe · No.648 · Koshari

Koshari, and where to source it

Koshari — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Koshari Egyptian 5best2buy.com

Koshari is a stack of carbs done right: rice, lentils, and small pasta each cooked separately, then layered with a spiced tomato sauce, a tangy garlic-vinegar dressing (daqqa), and a mountain of crispy fried onions. The fried onions aren't a garnish — they're the flavor engine, so fry a lot of them dark and crisp. The vinegar sauce is what keeps the whole thing from being heavy.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook45 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineEgyptian
Cost$
Vegan
Contains  gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Brown lentils
Cooked just tender so they hold their shape in the stack.
1 cup
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Rice
Cooked with the lentils or separately as the base layer.
1.5 cups
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Small pasta
Elbow macaroni and broken spaghetti, boiled and drained.
8 oz
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Canned tomatoes
Crushed tomato cooked down with spice and vinegar into the sauce.
1 can
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Cumin & coriander
Ground spices for the tomato sauce; a pinch of chili for heat.
1 tbsp each
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Vinegar
White or apple vinegar for the sharp garlic daqqa that cuts the starch.
1/4 cup
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Yellow onion
Sliced thin and fried dark and crisp; the defining topping.
3 large
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerInstant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Fry the onionsFry thin-sliced onion in oil over medium until deep brown and crisp, 15-20 minutes; drain on paper.
  2. Cook the starchesCook rice, lentils, and pasta separately until just done and keep them warm.
  3. Make the sauceFry garlic and spices, add crushed tomato and a splash of vinegar, and simmer 15 minutes until thick.
  4. Make the daqqaWhisk minced garlic, vinegar, and a little sauce into a sharp pourable dressing.
  5. AssembleLayer rice, lentils, and pasta in bowls, ladle tomato sauce over, drizzle daqqa, and pile on the onions.
The Toolkit

Three saucepans · Deep frying pan · Fine mesh strainer · Whisk · Slotted spoon

Straight Answers
Can you make Koshari in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Koshari? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Koshari ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Koshari gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).

Is Koshari vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.648

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