Mercimek Koftesi

Name: Mercimek Koftesi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, rinsed; 3 cups water; 1 cup fine bulgur; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1 yellow onion, finely diced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp red pepper paste; 4 scallions, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp pul biber; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Savory red lentil patties blended with fine bulgur, sautéed aromatics, fresh herbs, and warm Turkish spices. Served at room temperature wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.

45 minEasyServes 6210 cal/serving

TurkishAppetizerStovetopVeganVegetarianMediterraneanHigh FiberHalal-friendlyKosher-styleNut-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeSoy-FreeLow-SodiumCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1 cup red lentils, rinsed
3 cups water
1 cup fine bulgur
1/3 cup olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp red pepper paste
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp pul biber
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1

Place 1 cup rinsed red lentils and 3 cups water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
2

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until red lentils are soft.
3

Stir in 1 cup fine bulgur, remove from heat, cover tightly, and let steam for 15 minutes.
4

Heat 1/3 cup olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add 1 finely diced yellow onion, and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
5

Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tbsp red pepper paste to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
6

Transfer onion mixture to the bulgur mixture, stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp pul biber, and 1 tsp salt, then cool slightly.
7

Fold in 4 thinly sliced scallions, 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, then knead mixture by hand until smooth and cohesive.
8

Shape portions into hand-squeezed oblong patties with finger marks and serve.

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Questions

What is Mercimek Koftesi?

Savory red lentil patties blended with fine bulgur, sautéed aromatics, fresh herbs, and warm Turkish spices. Served at room temperature wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. This reference files it under Turkish appetizer: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 45 minutes start to finish.

How long does Mercimek Koftesi take?

As written, 45 minutes: 20 of prep and 25 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 2 (15 minutes): "Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until red lentils are soft."

Can I make Mercimek Koftesi gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Mercimek Koftesi is 1 cup fine bulgur. Swap the grain for cooked rice or quinoa (the chew will differ). Everything else proceeds as written.

How many calories are in Mercimek Koftesi?

One serving (the recipe makes 6) is about 210 calories, with 8 g protein, 32 g carbohydrate and 6 g fat, plus 7 g fiber and 390 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How do I store and reheat Mercimek Koftesi?

Refrigerate what is left of Mercimek Koftesi within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. The grain firms up as it chills; add a spoonful of water before reheating.

Serve it with

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