Mercimek Köftesi Turkish Red Lentil Kofte (Vegan)

May 27, 2023May 27, 20230 1
Mercimek Köftesi Turkish Red Lentil Kofte (Vegan) Recipe
in Vegan

Prep

20 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 cup red lentil
2 cups water
1/2 cup fine bulgur
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion , chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 -2 teaspoon lemon juice ( juice of half or whole lemon to your taste )
2 -3 tablespoons fresh parsley ( approx , divided )
1/4 cup green onion , chopped ( about 4-5 green onions , white parts cut off )
7 curly lettuce leaves ( like whole romaine or Boston , need nice big ones )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6-8
Calories
228
Sugar
2g
Fat
7g
Mercimek Köftesi Turkish Red Lentil Kofte is a vegan appetizer that originated in Turkey. It is a healthy and nutritious dish that is perfect for a warm summer day. The dish is made with red lentils, bulgur, onions, cumin, tomato paste, lemon juice, fresh parsley, green onions, and lettuce. The lentils are cooked until mushy, mixed with bulgur and then shaped into small balls. These balls are then placed over lettuce leaves, and parsley is sprinkled on top. This dish is best served chilled.

Instructions

1.Rinse the red lentils with water and drain well. Cook red lentils with 2 cups of water in a covered pot over medium heat until they are soft and mushy, about 15-20 minutes.
2.While the lentils are cooking, place the bulgur in a small bowl and add hot water to cover the bulgur. Let it sit for around 10-15 minutes until it has absorbed all the water but is still slightly chewy.
3.In another pan, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion to the pan and stir until softened.
4.Add the cumin and tomato paste to the onions and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5.Remove the pan from heat and add the cooked red lentils, bulgur, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and parsley to the pan. Mix well.
6.Let the mixture cool down and then knead it well with your hands.
7.Add chopped green onions and continue kneading for another 2-3 minutes.
8.Shape the mixture into small balls, slightly flattened, approximately the size of a ping pong ball.
9.Cut curly lettuce into bite-size pieces. Place the lettuce leaves on a large plate and arrange the lentil balls over them. Add remaining parsley on top and serve chilled.

PROS

Mercimek Köftesi Turkish Red Lentil Kofte is a vegan and healthy appetizer.
It’s an excellent source of plant protein, fiber, and iron.
This dish is also easy to make and perfect for a quick meal.

CONS

Lentils and bulgur can lead to bloating and indigestion in some people.
While this is a healthy vegan option, it is important to consume it in moderation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Red lentils are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and antioxidants that help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. It also helps lower cholesterol levels and improve digestion.
Bulgur provides a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It can help reduce the risk of heart disease, promote gut health, and improve metabolism. The lemon juice in this recipe is an excellent source of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and helps boost the immune system.

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