Egypt, one of the world's oldest civilizations, has a rich history of over 5,000 years. As the cradle of ancient civilization, it was home to the pharaohs, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the iconic Sphinx. The Nile River played a crucial role in sustaining its people and fostering advancements in agriculture, architecture, and writing, such as the development of hieroglyphics. Egypt’s contributions to mathematics, medicine, and engineering influenced later civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. Today, Egypt remains a cultural and political hub in the Middle East and Africa, with Cairo as a major metropolis blending historical landmarks with modern infrastructure. As a key player in regional politics, Egypt’s economy relies on tourism, the Suez Canal, and agriculture. Its impact endures globally through its historical treasures, archaeological discoveries, and influence on art, religion, and governance.
5 Fun Facts about Egypt
- Home to the Only Remaining Ancient Wonder
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the last surviving wonder of the ancient world and is over 4,500 years old.
2. Invented One of the First Writing Systems
Ancient Egyptians developed hieroglyphics, a complex writing system using symbols, which helped record history, religion, and daily life
3. Birthplace of Paper
The Egyptians created the first type of paper, papyrus, made from the papyrus plant, which was used for writing long before modern paper.
4. Ancient Cats Were Sacred
Egyptians worshiped cats and believed they brought good luck. Harming a cat, even by accident, was considered a serious crime!
5. The Suez Canal Connects Two Continents
One of the world's most important waterways, the Suez Canal, connects the Mediterranean and Red Seas, allowing ships to travel between Europe and Asia without going around Africa.
How To Make Koshari
Ingredients:
For the Base:
1 cup rice
1 cup brown lentils
1 cup elbow pasta
1 cup cooked chickpeas
For the tomato sauce:
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 tbsp vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
For the crispy onions:
2 large onions, thinly sliced
Oil for frying
For the garnish:
Vinegar, hot sauce, or additional spices (optional)
Koshari is Egypt’s ultimate comfort food, a delicious and filling dish that blends various textures and flavors. Originating in the 19th century, it became a beloved street food, known for its mix of lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas, all topped with a spiced tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It’s a budget-friendly, protein-packed meal that’s both vegan and satisfying.
Instructions
- Cook the lentils:
Rinse and boil the lentils in water for about 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the rice and pasta:
In a separate pot, cook the rice as you normally would
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain
- Prepare the tomato sauce:
In a pan, heat some oil and sauté the onions until soft. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Fry the onions:
Heat oil in a pan and fry the thinly sliced onions until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the dish:
Layer rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas on a plate. Pour the tomato sauce over the top, then garnish with crispy onions.
- Serve and enjoy!
Koshari can be enjoyed with extra vinegar or hot sauce for added flavor.