Alexandrian Koshary
Seafood Variation
A delightful coastal variation of the classic Egyptian Koshary, this Alexandrian version features succulent shrimp instead of the traditional chickpeas, offering a unique seafood twist on this beloved comfort food. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a special meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Basmati Rice(Rinsed thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.)
- 150 g Brown or Green Lentils(Rinsed and picked over for any small stones.)
- 300 g Medium Shrimp(Peeled, deveined, and tails removed. Pat dry.)
- 400 g Crushed Tomatoes(Canned or fresh, for the sauce.)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 1 large Onion(Thinly sliced for frying until golden brown and crispy (for topping).)
- 4 tbsp Vegetable Oil(For frying onions and sautéing shrimp.)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes(Or to taste, for spicy sauce.)
- 2 tbsp White Vinegar
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Rice and Lentils: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and lentils. Add 600ml (about 2.5 cups) of water, 1 tsp salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the grains are tender. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes off the heat.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 2
Make the Spicy Tomato Sauce: While the rice and lentils cook, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, white vinegar, 1 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 3
Sauté the Shrimp: In a separate skillet, heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the prepared shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper. Do not overcook, as they will become tough.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Fry the Onions: In the same skillet used for the shrimp (or a clean one), heat the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and fry, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and crispy. This may take 10-15 minutes. Drain the fried onions on paper towels.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Assemble the Koshary: To serve, spoon a generous portion of the cooked rice and lentil mixture into individual bowls. Ladle the spicy tomato sauce over the top. Arrange the sautéed shrimp around the edges of the bowl. Finally, sprinkle generously with the crispy fried onions.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an authentic Alexandrian touch, ensure your fried onions are extra crispy.
- ✓The quality of the shrimp is key to this seafood variation; use fresh or good quality frozen shrimp.
- ✓Adjust the red pepper flakes in the sauce to control the level of spiciness.
- ✓Serve with a side of garlic-infused vinegar (Dakka) and a chili oil (Shatta) for an even more traditional experience.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sautéed calamari rings along with the shrimp for a mixed seafood koshary.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and add a can of drained chickpeas, seasoned with cumin and coriander, to the tomato sauce during the last 5 minutes of simmering.