Mercimek Kofte (Turkish bulgur and lentil meatballs)

Name: Mercimek Kofte (Turkish bulgur and lentil meatballs)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 28 kofte
Ingredients: 1½ cup split red lentils; 3 ¼ cups water; 1 cup fine bulgur; ⅓ cup olive oil; 1 large yellow onion; 2 cloves garlic; 4 teaspoons tatli biber salçası; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 3 scallions; ½ cup minced flat-leaf parsley; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon toasted cumin seeds; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 ½ teaspoons salt

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5.0

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Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
28 kofte
Calories
79 kcal
Course
Side Dish
Cuisine
Middle Eastern, Turkish

Mercimek Kofte (Turkish bulgur and lentil meatballs)

Joelle Ward

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This traditional vegan Turkish appetizer will have you rocking the house party (len)til the break of dawn. These vegan lentil meatballs aren't just good, they’re (bul)GUR-EAT!

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Ingredients

Servings

1½ cup split red lentils
3 ¼ cups water
1 cup fine bulgur
⅓ cup olive oil
1 large yellow onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
4 teaspoons tatli biber salçası mild Turkish pepper paste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 scallions thinly sliced
½ cup minced flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon toasted cumin seeds
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 ½ teaspoons salt

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Instructions

Rinse the split red lentils thoroughly under cold water and drain them to remove dust and foreign matter.
In a medium-sized pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the rinsed lentils and cook them until they are tender, stirring occasionally for ten to fifteen minutes.
Once the lentils are cooked, remove them from heat and stir in the fine-grade bulgur. Place a lid on the pot and set aside to cool.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté them for six minutes until they turn translucent and slightly golden.
Add the Turkish pepper paste, tomato paste, scallions, minced parsley, smoked paprika, cinnamon, ground coriander, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine the ingredients and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Mix the contents of the pan into the pot with the lentils and bulgur. Mix until they are well combined. The mixture should have a dough-like consistency.
Allow the mixture to rest for about 20 minutes at room temperature. This will help the flavors meld together and the bulgur to soften further.
After the resting period, take small portions (about two-three tablespoons) of the mixture and shape them into small oval-shaped patties or balls. Wetting your hands with water occasionally will help prevent sticking.
Place the shaped mercimek köfte on a serving platter or a tray lined with lettuce leaves for presentation.
You can serve mercimek köfte immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for a few hours to enhance the flavors and allow the kofte to firm up. They can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Mercimek köfte is typically enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon juice, or fresh lemon slices, and served with fresh vegetables, such as lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. It is often accompanied with a side of vegan yogurt or a tangy dip like cacık.

Equipments used:

Notes

Cook your red lentils just right. You're aiming for tender but not mushy. Give them a quick rinse before cooking and simmer in water until they're soft enough to mash with a fork.
Let your mixture cool down before shaping. This helps with forming those beautiful kofte. Patience pays off here.
Shape your kofte into little oval patties, or make the traditional shape by squeezing them between your fingers a bit to get ridges. Serve them on lettuce leaves or with pita bread. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a fresh finish.

Nutrition Information

Show Details

Calories 79kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 11g (4%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 0.4g (2%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Sodium 223mg (9%) Potassium 148mg (4%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 166IU (3%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 14mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 28kofte

Amount Per Serving

Calories 79 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories	79kcal	4%
Carbohydrates	11g	4%
Protein	3g	6%
Fat	3g	5%
Saturated Fat	0.4g	2%
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.4g	2%
Monounsaturated Fat	2g	10%
Sodium	223mg	9%
Potassium	148mg	3%
Fiber	4g	16%
Sugar	1g	2%
Vitamin A	166IU	3%
Vitamin C	3mg	3%
Calcium	14mg	1%
Iron	1mg	6%