Sudanese Kushari
A hearty and flavorful rice and lentil dish, often layered with pasta and topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It's a popular street food and comfort meal in Sudan.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Rice(long-grain)
- 1 cup Brown or green lentils
- 1 cup Elbow macaroni or other small pasta
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil(divided, for frying onions and cooking)
- 2 large Onions(thinly sliced, for topping)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 cups Water or vegetable broth(for the sauce)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice(optional, for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Cook the lentils: Rinse the lentils and place them in a pot with enough water to cover by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- 2
Cook the rice: Rinse the rice. In a separate pot, combine the rice with 3 cups of water, a pinch of salt, and 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked. Fluff with a fork.
- 3
Cook the pasta: Cook the macaroni according to package directions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- 4
Prepare the crispy onions: Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and fry until golden brown and crispy, stirring frequently. This can take 10-15 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- 5
Make the tomato sauce: In the same skillet (or a clean pot), heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- 6
Add the crushed tomatoes, water or broth, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 7
Assemble the Kushari: In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice, lentils, and pasta. Spoon a generous amount of the tomato sauce over the top. Garnish with the crispy fried onions. Optionally, drizzle with lemon juice.
💡 Tip: Some people like to mix the layers together before eating.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For extra flavor, you can cook the rice and lentils together in the same pot.
- ✓Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- ✓Ensure the onions are thinly sliced for optimal crispiness.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a dollop of plain yogurt or a drizzle of tahini sauce.
- Include chickpeas along with the lentils for added texture and protein.