Koshary Egyptian Style

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium-sized cooking vessel over a moderately high heat level. Introduce the rice into the pan and continue stirring until it is evenly coated with oil, approximately 3 minutes. Add 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil; then, reduce the heat to a low setting, cover the pan, and let it simmer until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, ranging from 20 to 25 minutes.

Fill a large cooking pot with salted water and bring it to a high heat level, creating a rolling boil. Introduce the macaroni into the pot and return it to a boiling state. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked but still retains some firmness to the bite, approximately 8 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and then return it to the cooking pot, covering it and keeping it warm.

Soak the lentils for 30 minutes. Drain and rinse them, then drain again. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a cooking pot and stir in the lentils. Bring the liquid to a boiling point; cover the pot, then reduce the heat to a low setting. Simmer until the lentils are tender, taking anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture.

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over a moderately high heat level. Cook the onions in the oil, stirring frequently, until they begin to develop a rich brown color, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The onions should be nicely caramelized at this point. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove the onions from the pan, allowing them to drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Place half of the onion mixture into a saucepan. Mix in some vinegar, then add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, black pepper, 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt, cumin, and cayenne (if using). Bring the mixture to a boiling point; then, reduce the heat to a medium-low setting and let it simmer for about 12 minutes.

Serve by placing a spoonful of rice, then macaroni, and finally the lentils on serving plates. Sprinkle with some of the browned onions, then top with a spoonful of tomato sauce.