Kushari, often transliterated as kosheri or koshari, (Egyptian Arabic: كشرى; translit: kusharī) is a popular traditional Egyptian national dish. 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 meatless diet of Coptic Christians during Lent[citation needed] and other fasts and/or the expensive cost of meat for the lower classes. It is becoming common to add fried liver or shawarma meat as an additional topping.
Kushari is one of the most popular, inexpensive, and common dishes in Egypt, and many restaurants specialize in this one dish. It is also 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, and sometimes fuul - a bean puree - as well. It is an inexpensive dish, and serves as a staple food.
Similar dishes
Kushari is similar to the Indian and Pakistani 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, and Lebanon. Kushari also recalls the rice and beans dishes of the Caribbean such as Hoppin' John and Gallo Pinto.
External links
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