Kushari
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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 common and most popular dishes in Egypt. Along with Kushari and soft drinks, the most common other dish at Kushari establishments is a sweet rice pudding (Egyptian Arabic: رز باللبن, ruzz belaban; literally "rice with milk"). Served at Iftar, Kushari is also available at restaurants, some specializing in just this dish.
[edit] Similar dishes in other cuisines
Kushari may be related 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. There is also a similar dish popular in the Levant (Syria, Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon); only rice and black lentils are used, without any toppings, however, such dishes are not anywhere near as popular in these countries as they are in Egypt. This recalls the rice and beans dishes of the Caribbean such as Hoppin' John and Gallo Pinto.
