Ethnic Night

I am sitting here eating koushari for lunch as I write this post.

Look at me multi-task!

While living in Egypt, koushari was my absolute favorite food to eat. It is also considered the "poor man" food because it is utterly cheap to make. I am extra lucky to have an Egyptian stepmom who gave me the recipe a few years back. I have changed a couple things through the years mostly to make a little more sauce--since I like things saucy!

Jared & I have been incorporating at least one vegetarian dish of rice and beans a week for health and budget reasons. This meal has been on repeat. Don't bother trying this if you don't like onion, garlic and lots of spice. It is very flavorful!

Koushari

1 cup rice

1 cup elbow macaroni

3/4 cup brown lentils

2 medium onions

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup chick peas

2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz each)

2-3 crushed garlic cloves

4 tablespoons white vinegar

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

3/4 teaspoon allspice

3/4 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon sugar

***I use brown rice and whole wheat pasta to up the health***

In a pot add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and fry one of the onions (cut into rings) until golden brown. **I skip this step if I don't feel like making a mess** Remove onion rings and set aside. With the remaining oil add water following directions on package to cook rice. Bring to a boil. Add rice and let cook on low heat.

Meanwhile in another pot add the lentils and cover with water. Boil until tender. Drain. Put rice and lentils in a bowl together.

Boil macaroni in another pot and drain.

Sauce: put 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a pot and add the other onion, finely chopped, and garlic. Saute until soft. Add tomato sauce, spices and vinegar. Let simmer 5-10 minutes.

To serve: Put rice/lentil mixture in a dish. Top with macaroni and chick peas. Serve warm with sauce and top off with onion rings.