Mercimek Köftesi

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup fine bulgur
• 1 large onion
• 2 pieces garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 cup parsley
• 2 stalks green onions
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Rinse red lentils thoroughly and boil in 3 cups of water until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Drain any excess water.
2. 2Add fine bulgur to the hot lentils, cover, and set aside for 15 minutes to allow the bulgur to absorb the moisture and soften.
3. 3Finely chop the onion and garlic. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
4. 4Stir in tomato paste, cumin, and paprika, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
5. 5Combine the lentil and bulgur mixture with the sautéed onion mixture in a large bowl.
6. 6Finely chop parsley and green onions and add to the bowl along with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
7. 7Mix thoroughly until the mixture is homogeneous and begins to stick together.
8. 8Wet your hands and form the mixture into patties or small logs.
9. 9Arrange the patties on a serving plate and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
10. 10Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges.
11. 11Enjoy your nutritious and flavorful Mercimek Köftesi as a main course or a healthy snack.