EGYPT National Dish -KUSHARI November 24, 2020 Shilpa Anand This is a widely popular Egyptian dish( street food) which originated in mid 19 th century and combines Italian, Indian and middle eastern culinary elements I’ve served Kushari with a spicy salad dressed with online oil and lemon juice INGREDIENTS FOR THE TOMATO SAUCE 2-3 large tomatoes, blended, puréed1tbsp tomato paste2tbsp fried onionsVinegarSalt to tastePaprika powderHot chilli powderCumin powderCapsicum, choppedGarlic, choppedSugar( optional)Oil ( from the fried onions) INSTRUCTIONSheat up a pan Add blended tomato purée and simmer Once small bubbles start to form add the fried onions, vinegar, salt, paprika powder, chilli powder, cumin powder and tomato paste Mix well and simmer for 1-2 mins on low flameAdd chopped capsicum and garlic and mixCover and simmer for 4-5 mins Now add the fried onion oil and cook on low flame for 10-15 muns( can add water if needed) That’s it, your delicious tomato sauce is ready INGREDIENTS FOR SAUCE ½ to ¾ cups hot water1tbsp garlic paste1tsp cumin powder1tsp coriander powder1tbsp white vinegar1tbsp lemon juice1tsp chilli pasteSalt to tasteINSTRUCTIONSmix everything to make the sauce OTHER INGREDIENTS Boiled and cooked macaroni ( elbow)Vermicelli ( fried in onion oil ) Boiled chickpeas( Kabuli Chana) Short grain rice ( I used basmati ) Salt to taste Brown lentils ( akkha Masoor), soaked for 2-3 hoursVeg stock1cup fried onionsOIL ( from fried onions) INSTRUCTIONSHeat fried onions oil in a pot and add rice to itFry for few mins Add fried vermicelli Add veg stock and water and cook the rice until done Cook the lentils with salt, cumin powder and chilli powder to taste. Keep aside SERVE Transfer rice to a serving plate Then layer the lentils Pasta goes next followed by chickpeasAdd the tomato sauce and the other sauce Enjoy