25 Best Egyptian Recipes 2024 – Discover Authentic Tastes

Egyptian cuisine has always fascinated me with its rich history and bold flavors. It's one of those food traditions that tell a story with every bite, combining ingredients in ways that have been perfected over centuries. Whether it's a savory stew or a sweet treat, Egyptian recipes offer something for everyone. From fragrant spices to fresh herbs, their dishes are full of vibrant tastes that leave you wanting more. Trust me, once you dive into the world of Egyptian cooking, you'll never look back. So, here are my 25 best Egyptian recipes that are perfect for anyone eager to explore this incredible culinary tradition.

1. Koshari

Koshari is Egypt’s national dish, and once you taste it, you'll understand why. This hearty meal is a blend of rice, lentils, and pasta topped with a spiced tomato sauce, crispy onions, and chickpeas. It's comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 cup small pasta (like elbow macaroni)
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 can chickpeas
• Salt, pepper, and cumin to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice, lentils, and pasta separately.
2. Fry the onions until crispy.
3. Heat the tomato sauce with salt, pepper, and cumin.
4. In a bowl, layer rice, lentils, and pasta. Add the chickpeas and top with tomato sauce and crispy onions.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 350 | Carbs: 60g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 5g

2. Ful Medames

Ful Medames is a simple yet satisfying breakfast dish made with fava beans. It’s traditionally served with pita bread and a variety of toppings like olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans fava beans
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the fava beans in a saucepan with their liquid.
2. Mash them slightly with a fork.
3. Stir in garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
4. Serve with pita bread and optional toppings like tomatoes or parsley.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 200 | Carbs: 30g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 8g

3. Ta’ameya (Egyptian Falafel)

These green falafels are made from fava beans rather than chickpeas, giving them a distinct flavor and vibrant color.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried fava beans, soaked overnight
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 bunch fresh parsley
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Drain the fava beans and blend with onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into small patties.
3. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 250 | Carbs: 30g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 12g

4. Mahshi (Stuffed Vegetables)

Mahshi is a delightful dish of vegetables stuffed with a rice and herb mixture, then cooked to perfection in a savory tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, hollowed out
• 2 bell peppers, hollowed out
• 1 cup rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the rice, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Stuff the hollowed-out vegetables with the rice mixture.
3. Place in a pot, cover with tomato sauce, and cook until tender.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 300 | Carbs: 50g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g

5. Molokhia (Jute Soup)

This traditional Egyptian soup is made with jute leaves, which give it a slightly slimy texture but an incredibly rich flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 package frozen molokhia
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat chicken broth and add molokhia.
2. In a separate pan, sauté garlic in olive oil and add to the soup.
3. Season with salt and pepper and simmer until the molokhia is tender.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 150 | Carbs: 12g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g

6. Fattah

Fattah is a celebratory dish made of layers of crispy bread, rice, and tender meat, topped with a garlicky tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice
• 4 pita breads, cut into pieces
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 lb beef or lamb, cooked and shredded
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice and fry the pita bread until crispy.
2. Layer rice, bread, and shredded meat in a dish.
3. Pour the tomato sauce mixed with garlic over the top.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 500 | Carbs: 65g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 15g

7. Roz Bel Laban (Rice Pudding)

Roz Bel Laban is a creamy rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for a sweet treat after dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Cook rice in milk until soft and creamy.
2. Stir in sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
3. Let cool and serve chilled.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 220 | Carbs: 45g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g