In a small, college chapel kitchen, the aromas of cumin, garlic, and fried onions filled the air as students gathered around pots and pans, ready to learn the art of making Koshari—a beloved Egyptian street food. The popular street dish included brown lentils, white rice, vermicelli, macaroni, chickpeas, fried onions, garlic, tomato paste, vinegar, vegetable bouillon cube, lemon juice, and spices including salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
Leading this culinary adventure was Jarvis Christian University Fulbright Scholar Maryam Eldesouky who is teaching introductory courses in Arabic language during this academic year.
Koshari, a hearty blend of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions, is not just a dish; it’s a symbol of Egyptian heritage. Eldesouky understands that food is a universal language and by sharing this recipe from her homeland with students, she goes beyond cooking. She is sharing history, culture, tradition, storytelling, and connection.
The popular street food reflects Egypt’s diverse influences from various cultures. With each step of the cooking process, she explained the significance of each ingredient. Students chopped onions and garlic, measured rice and lentils, and engaged in lively discussions. For the students, this was their first exposure to Egyptian cuisine. As they stirred the pots and taste-tested their creations, they marveled at the simplicity and richness of the dish.
Culinary experiences like this are designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures. And it also brings a little bit of home to the Fulbright Scholars who spend nine months in the United States.
Once the Koshari was complete, the students gathered around a table, filling their steaming bowls of the dish. They served themselves, mixing the layers and adding more sauce and fried onions as they pleased. Conversations flowed freely as they savored each bite, a delicious blend of flavors that reflected the heart of Egypt.
Through her Fulbright experience, Eldesouky inspires her students to explore the culinary traditions of different cultures.
The students left the kitchen with the flavors of Egypt and the spirit of connection, reminding us all that food has the power to unite us, one plate at a time.
