ONION Heat ¼ cup olive oil to med high in a frying pan. Pat dry sliced onions with a paper towel, then toss with a couple of pinches of salt. Add to the frying pan once the oil is hot, and stir until the onions are nice and crispy! You want to ensure the onions don't burn so stir quite a lot! Once crispy, drain on paper towels and set aside.
RICE Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a saucepan on med high high. Add the rice and stir fry for a couple of minutes, ensuring all the grains are coated with the oil. Add the rice, and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, and simmer until the water is absorbed. Use your package directions as a guide. Fluff your rice and set aside.
LENTILS Cook lentils according to package directions.
Once the rice and lentils are cooked, combine and keep warm on a low setting.
MACARONI Cook macaroni according to package directions, and set aside. Add a few drops of olive oil and stir to prevent sticking. Keep warm.
TOMATO SAUCE Heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan on med high. Add the minced garlic, onion, and chilis once hot. Stir fry for a couple of minutes, and then add your tomato sauce. Now add 2 tablespoon vinegar, and your spices (pinch of salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander). Bring to the boil, then lower the heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
CHICKPEAS Just prior to serving, heat up your chickpeas (I use a microwave to make things easy :-))
GET READY TO ASSEMBLE YOUR MASTERPIECE!
Add the lentil and rice mixture to your plate and top with the elbow macaroni. Top with the spicy tomato sauce, chickpeas and then fried onions yay!
Notes
Add additional garlic, red pepper flakes and/or chilis for garnish for extra deliciousness. Enjoy the national dish of Egypt and dream of being in Cairo!