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Mercimek Köftesi

Mercimek köftesi, one of the most popular mezze of Turkish cuisine, are vegan dumplings made with red lentils and bulgur.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 6 people
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Middle Eastern , Turkish , Vegan

Ingredients

  • 1½ cup red lentils (kırmızı mercimek)
  • 3½ cups hot water
  • 1¼ cup fine bulgur
  • 2 onions , diced
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon biber salçası (red pepper paste)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 5 scallions , chopped
  • ½ bunch flat parsley , finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
To serve
  • lettuce leaves
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly and drain them.
  2. Place the red lentils and the water in a saucepan.
  3. When the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, then cook over medium heat for 15 minutes.
  4. It is important not to salt the lentils during cooking as this will slow down the process and cause them to harden.
  5. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add the bulgur.
  6. Cover and let stand for about 15 minutes to get the bulgur to swell.
  7. Heat the olive oil over medium to high heat in another pan.
  8. Brown the diced onions for 5 minutes. Add the pepper paste, tomato paste, salt, chili powder and cumin. Mix well and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.
  9. Add this preparation to the bulgur and lentil mixture.
  10. Wait until the mixture has cooled a little before adding the scallions and parsley so that they keep their bright color.
  11. Knead everything by hand for about 10 minutes, until obtaining a homogeneous and smooth mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Shaping
    Cup of Yum
  1. Wet the hands a little, take a knob of dough and press in the hand. Form an elongated köfte with the shape of the fingers.
  2. Place on a serving plate with lettuce leaves and lemon.
  3. Keep cool until ready to serve.