Kushari

Kushari, often transliterated as kosheri or koshari, (Egyptian Arabic: كشرى; translit: kusharī) is a popular traditional Egyptian national dish, normally eaten in specialty Kushari restaurants that serve this dish exclusively. It consists of a base of rice, brown lentils, chickpeas, macaroni, and a topping of Egyptian garlic and vinegar and spicy tomato sauce (salsa). Caramelized onions are commonly added as a garnish. Kushari is normally a vegetarian and usually a vegan dish, possibly reflecting the vegan diet of Coptic Christians during Lent and other fasts. It is becoming common to add fried liver or shawarma meat as an additional topping. It is often found in fast-food establishments that also serve "ta'meyya" (falafel). Smaller restaurants may serve either Kushari or ta'meyya while larger ones (often chain restaurants) usually serve both. It is an inexpensive dish, and serves as a staple food.

Kushari is one of the most popular and most common dishes in Egypt, and some restaurants specialize in this one dish.

imilar dishes

Kushari is similar to the Pakistani and Indian dish Khichri (Urdu: کھچری ), which is also made with rice and lentils, and thus by extension to the Anglo-Indian kedgeree. Mujaddara is a similar dish popular in Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Israel. Kushari also recalls the rice and beans dishes of the Caribbean such as Hoppin' John and Gallo Pinto.

External links

* [http://www.vrg.org/recipes/egypt.htm Article on Egyptian vegetarian cooking]