Pushpesh Pant
EVER since the pandemic hit, our thoughts have been focused most of the time on immunity (or the lack of it). Foods supposedly having immunity-boosting properties are suddenly in great demand. Everyone is chasing the mirage of a magic bullet which can ensure protection from disease and (perish the thought!) death.
Truth be told, building immunity is a long-term project. It is not like amrit that if consumed even once grants immortality. One has to follow for months, if not years, a long dietary regimen to ensure that the body gets balanced nutrition and is fortified against infections. But, such are the frailties of human mind that one easily falls prey to myths about superfoods that promise an immediate boost in immunity.
We think it is much more sensible to look for recipes that act as delicious restoratives for those recovering from a bout of debilitating sickness, or have impaired natural immunity. Following this logic, we offer our readers Koshari — an Egyptian dish — a one-dish meal that is not difficult to prepare, is good to look at, is refreshingly different in taste and texture and is a mélange of ingredients: time-tested comfort food. It resembles many old friends — khichdi, veg pulav, Kabuli chana, dal-roti and pasta with home-made tomato sauce!
Koshari
Ingredients
Rice (soaked in water for 15 minutes, drained) 1 ½ cup
Arhar dal ¾ cup
Masoor dal ¾ cup
Chickpeas (soaked overnight and boiled) 1 cup
Pita bread (toasted and cut into large pieces,
may be substituted with khasta or missi roti) 2
Pasta (optional, pre-boiled as per instructions) 2 cups
Onion (peeled and sliced into thin rings) 1 large
Plain flour 1/3 cup
Sesame oil ½ cup
Onion (peeled and grated) 1 small
Garlic cloves (minced) 4
Coriander seeds (freshly ground) 1 tsp
Red chilli flakes 1 tsp/more
Tomato paste 2 tbsp
Malt vinegar 1-2 tbsp
Coriander powder ½ tsp
Salt and pepper to taste
How to prepare
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