Koshari - Lentils and Rice With Tomato Sauce

Posted for ZWT 6. Koshari is very similar to chili. It is made of lentils, rice and tomato sauce and cab be spicy. Koshari is a fast food meal in the Middle East, and is offered by street vendors in cities like Cairo. There are many variations, but this recipe should give you a good idea of what it is all about!

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  cup lentils
• 1  cup white rice
• 1  cup  uncooked macaroni (orzo or elbows)
• 1  large onion, diced
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 1⁄2 cups tomato sauce
• 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or 1  teaspoon  hot sauce

Directions

1. Place lentils in saucepan with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Allow to simmer on low for 30 minutes, or until tender. Add rice to the lentils and cook for another 20 minutes or so, until rice is tender.
2. Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package directions to an al dente stage.
3. Combine lentils, rice and macaroni in large pot.
4. Saute onions and garlic in pan in olive oil until browned.
5. Add tomato sauce to onions and garlic and heat until bubbling. Remove from heat.
6. Place a serving of lentil mixture on a plate and cover with sauce. Sprinkle red pepper on top and serve.