Discover the mouth-watering flavors of Kusherie
Do you ever crave cuisine that is both comforting and wholesome? Something that fills your stomach and soothes your soul? Allow me to introduce you to Kusherie, a delicious Egyptian dish of rice and lentils.
Kusherie, also known as Koshari or Kushari, is Egypt’s national dish and has been enjoyed for over 200 years. It’s a hearty and high-protein meal that is easy to make despite its recipe length. In this article, I will guide you on how to prepare this unique dish step by step.
I must admit, Kusherie may not be the most glamorous dish visually, but its flavors more than make up for it. The combination of rice, pasta, lentils, and aromatic spices like cumin and garlic cloves melds together creating a complex yet comforting taste.
What I personally love about this recipe is its versatility. Not only is it inexpensive to make, but it can be served plain or paired with a side of yogurt. Kusherie can stand alone as a main course or served as a side dish alongside traditional Egyptian fried onions.
Whether you are looking for authentic Egyptian food or simply searching for healthy recipes to add to your diet habits, Kusherie won’t disappoint. So let’s get our aprons on and dive into the delicious world of Kusherie!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you craving for a delicious, healthy and easy-to-make meal that will satisfy your taste buds? If the answer is yes, then you will love this Kusherie recipe!
This Egyptian rice and lentils dish may be lesser-known compared to other popular Middle Eastern dishes but it is definitely worth the try. Kusherie offers an exciting combination of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance with joy. With its high protein content, it is perfect for those who are looking for ways to incorporate more healthy recipes into their diet habits.
Not only is Kusherie tasty and healthy, but it’s also a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main dish. You can pair it with plain yogurt or top it off with fried onions to add some extra flavor and texture. It can also be made in large batches for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
And don’t let the length of this recipe discourage you; despite its length high, making Kusherie is easy! It requires simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand such as garlic cloves, onions, cumin, and lentils. The most time-consuming part of this recipe is cooking the rice and lentils, which can easily be done in a slow cooker or on the stove.
So what are you waiting for? Try this Egyptian Lentils and Rice recipe today and enjoy its delicious flavors while maintaining your healthy eating habits!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you will need to make Kusherie, the Egyptian rice and lentils recipe:
For the Rice and Lentils:
- 2 cups of dry lentils
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 3 cups of tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- sugar, salt, and pepper to taste
- boiling water or stock (about 4 cups)
Optional toppings:
- Fried onions
Note: You may need to adjust spices based on your own taste preference.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have your ingredients all prepped and ready, let’s get started on the recipe how-to. This Kusherie (Egyptian Rice and Lentils) Recipe is surprisingly easy to make despite its lengthy high-protein recipe length. The first thing that you need to do is heat up one tablespoon of oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat.
Brown the lentils
Once the pan is heated up, it’s time to brown the lentils. Heat the oil for about five minutes, stirring often to ensure even distribution. After five minutes of stirring, add three cups of boiling water and a dash of pepper and salt to your pot.
Cook up the rice
While your lentils are cooking, start getting your rice ready. Combine two cups of rice with four cups of boiling water or stock (whatever you prefer). You can add a pinch of salt if desired. Reduce heat to low and cover, letting it simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
Mix it all together
Once both are cooked, mix them both together in the saucepan with two tablespoons of oil, one onion chopped, two or three crushed garlic cloves, one teaspoon cumin ground, quarter teaspoon cayenne pepper and half teaspoon salt.
Add tomato juice and paste with celery leaves
Next step is adding the tomato juice along with tomato paste to your mixture. Start by pouring four cups of tomato juice into the pot along with one 1/4 cup tomato paste then adds celery leaves and green pepper on top.
Let it cook slowly
Stir everything together while letting simmer for around ten minutes under medium-low heat until everything is combined thoroughly.
Serve with fried onions
The most famous way to serve kusherie is topped with fried onions. Many Egyptians consider this their national dish as it combines some of their favorite foods into one healthy recipe! This Kusherie (Egyptian Rice and Lentils) Recipe can also be served plain with some yogurt as a side dish or as an entree on its own.
Enjoy making this slow-cooked Egyptian recipe in your own home kitchen!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you missing some of the ingredients for this Kusherie recipe? No worries, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to choose from.
If you are looking to reduce the heat level, try using less cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. For those who love it spicy, feel free to add extra cayenne pepper or try adding a chopped jalapeño to the mix.
Looking for a plant-based version of this dish? Skip the meat and stock and use vegetable stock instead. You can also add some roasted veggies like eggplant or bell peppers for an extra boost of nutrition.
Not a fan of rice? Swap it out with quinoa or bulgur wheat for a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. Alternatively, use pasta in place of rice for a traditional koshari recipe.
If you want to make your Kusherie more colorful and flavorful, try tossing in some diced carrots or sweet potatoes into the mix. Or, top it off with some crispy fried onions for added texture.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to making this national Egyptian dish your own. So get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your perfect variation!
Serving and Pairing
One of my favorite things about kusherie is its versatility. It makes for a great main course or side dish and can be paired with different foods to create unique and delicious flavor combinations. Traditionally, it is served with a generous drizzle of zesty tomato sauce and caramelized onions, which add depth of flavor and elevate the dish’s taste.
While the kusherie itself is hearty, balanced in nutrition, and high-protein, I love serving it alongside some crisp, fresh vegetables to counterbalance the warm, toasty lentil- and rice-based flavors. A simple salad consisting of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, radishes, bell peppers, parsley or mint leaves pairs exceptionally well with kusherie.
If you’re looking for a more substantial pairing option, you can try chicken shawarma, grilled lamb chops or falafel. The dish also goes really well with yogurt-based dips like baba ganoush or hummus.
Finally, if you’re feeling inventive or experimental in the kitchen, you can try using kusherie as a base for fusion recipes that combine Egyptian and other cuisines’ flavors. The British-Indian chicken tikka masala served on a bed of kusherie rice lentils is an excellent example of fusion cuisine that blends various cultures together into one amazing meal.
Remember that the perfect pairing depends on your taste buds’ preferences – so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your favorite combination!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Kusherie, the Egyptian rice and lentil medley, is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It’s easy to make despite its recipe length and high protein content. You can enjoy it freshly cooked or store leftovers for later.
To make-ahead, cook the lentils and rice separately and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Stir in the tomato sauce before serving. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth, cover and microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot.
If you plan to store Kusherie for a longer period of time, you may want to consider freezing it. Place the dish in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to serve, defrost overnight in the fridge and then heat it up using your favorite method.
It’s important to note that as with any dish containing rice or pasta, overcooking or overheating can result in mushy texture, so be sure not to reheat too many times or at too high of a temperature.
In conclusion, whether you plan to make ahead or simply store leftovers, Kusherie lends itself quite well to being reheated without sacrificing flavor or texture. Its high protein content makes it an ideal option for a healthy diet while still maintaining its national dish status in Egypt. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
One of the keys to a great Kusherie dish is getting the rice and lentils cooked to perfection. Here are some of my tips to help you achieve perfect results:
Firstly, be sure to rinse your rice well before cooking it. This removes any excess starch that may make your rice sticky. Use a fine mesh strainer and rinse the rice several times until the water runs clear.
When cooking lentils, it’s important to sort through them first and remove any small stones or debris. Then, add the lentils to boiling water and cook for about 20-25 minutes until they are tender but still holding their shape. Cooking time can vary depending on the type of lentil you are using.
Another tip is to use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for cooking the dish. This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents burning or sticking.
To add flavor and depth, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until softened and fragrant before adding them to the dish. This step enhances the overall taste of Kusherie.
Spice-wise, cumin is an essential ingredient for this recipe, but feel free to add other spices like paprika, coriander, or even turmeric for an extra kick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once everything has cooked, it’s important to let your Kusherie rest for a few minutes so the flavors meld together. Serve it hot as a main dish or side dish with some plain yogurt on top or fried onions on the side.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious plate of Kusherie that will have you feeling like you’ve traveled straight to Egypt without leaving your kitchen!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make Kusherie, it’s time to address some common questions and concerns you may have about this Egyptian rice and lentils recipe. From ingredient substitutions to cooking times, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into our FAQ section for more helpful tips and insights.
Is lentils and rice a good combination?
Combining lentils and whole grain rice provides a well-rounded amount of fiber for your body, as lentils possess more insoluble fiber while whole grain rice contains more soluble fiber. The soluble fiber present in whole grain rice forms a gel in the stomach, assisting in lowering cholesterol and promoting stable blood sugar levels.
Is koshari egyptian or indian?
Egypt is famous for its national dish, which goes by the names koshari, kushari, or koshary. The dish consists of a harmonious combination of rice, lentils (black or brown), chickpeas, and pasta, which are each cooked separately before being mixed together. The final touch is a cumin-flavored tomato sauce and crispy fried onions sprinkled on top for added crunch.
Is koshari healthy?
In terms of its nutritional value, this dish is suitable for consumption by vegans who avoid animal products. It is a carb-rich recipe that primarily uses lentils and chickpeas as a source of protein and fiber.
Can I cook lentils in my Zojirushi rice cooker?
For this recipe, we’ll be cooking a delicious combination of basmati rice and red lentils in a rice cooker. To prepare, you’ll need 2 cups of basmati rice, half a cup of red lentils (using a rice measuring cup), and 16oz of water.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious meal, Kusherie is an excellent choice. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s high in protein and packed with flavor. This Egyptian dish can be served as a main dish or as a side dish. Moreover, you can customize it according to your liking by trying different variations and substitutions.
Kusherie is not only tasty but also fits in a healthy diet plan. With the lentils, rice, garlic cloves, onions, cumin, celery leaves, salt, and sugar present in the recipe- you get an excellent balance of macronutrients, fiber, vitamins and minerals that aids in tissue growth and repair.
So try this Egyptian lentils rice recipe today and savor the taste of this national dish. I hope this easy-to-follow Kusherie recipe will take your food experience to the next level. Enjoy!
Kusherie (Egyptian Rice and Lentils) Recipe
Ingredients
Rice and Lentils
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 1/4 cups lentils
- 3 cups boiling water (or stock)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 dash pepper
- 1 1/2 cups rice
- 1 cup boiling water (or stock)
Sauce
- 3/4 cup tomato paste
- 3 cups tomato juice (or tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes)
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or crushed chilis to taste)
Browned Onions
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 onions, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- In a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, brown lentils in 2 Tbsp oil, about 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the 3 cups boiling stock and the salt and pepper.
- Cook uncovered 10 minutes over medium heat.
- Stir in the rice and 1 cup stock.
- Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 25 minutes without stirring.
- Meanwhile make sauce: Heat all the sauce ingredients together in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 20-30 minutes.
- To make browned onions, heat oil in a small skillet.
- Saute onions and garlic over medium heat till browned.
- To serve, put rice lentil mixture on a platter, pour tomato sauce over and top with browned onions.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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