Mercimek Köftesi Turkish Red Lentil Koftas

© 2024 | http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com

© 2024 | http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com

Prepared mainly with red lentils, fine bulgur and some spices and herbs, mercimek köftesi, aka Turkish red lentil koftas, are easy to make, and as comforting as they are delicious. They are great as a snack, breakfast or even as a main. Onion and spring onions are essential ingredients for mercimek köftesi, so don't skip them. Shape them any form you like, I just squeeze the mixture between the fingers and palm..easy peasy!

 

250 g red lentils, rinsed and drained 700 ml water 1 tsp Salt 1 Bay leaf 120 g Fine bulgur (köftelik) 6 Olive oil 1 Onion, peeled and finely chopped 70 g Tomato paste 50 g Turkish hot pepper paste (acı biber salçası) 2 tsp Ground cumin 1 Lemon, juiced 3 Spring onions, finely chopped 25 g Flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 1/4 tsp Chilli flakes (pul biber) Salad leaves, to serve Lemon wedges, to serve Parsley leaves or spring onion, to garnish

1. Add the lentils, water, bay leaf and salt into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to medium and leave to simmer, covered, until the lentils are completely falling apart, 20-25 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the bulgur and stir together. Cover and let soak for a further 20 minutes.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 6-8 minutes. Add the tomato paste, Turkish hot pepper paste, and cumin and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add the mixture, lemon juice and chilli flakes to the lentils mixture and leave to cool slightly.
3. Add the parsley and spring onions to the cooled lentil and bulgur mixture. Taste and season. Mix everything with your hand until smooth.
4. Place a tablespoon of mixture on your palm and press the fingers against the palm to form the wavy pattern. You can shape the mixture into balls or patties if you prefer.
5. Arrange them on a platter with salad leaves and lemon wedges. Garnish with parsley or spring onion.

© 2024 | http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com

© 2024 | http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com