Guests coming over? Serve Turkish lentil kofta with this recipe
Turkish lentil kofta, or mercimek koftesi, is a cherished vegetarian dish in Turkish cuisine. It's crafted from red lentils and bulgur, embodying the essence of Turkish flavors and spices. Traditionally served in lettuce leaves or with lemon juice, it offers a nutritious and flavorful experience. Its cultural significance makes it a must-try for those exploring international vegetarian dishes. Let's start cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this dish, you'll need one cup red lentils, two cups water, one cup fine bulgur, one large onion finely chopped, three tablespoons olive oil, two tablespoons tomato paste, one tablespoon paprika (sweet or smoked), half a teaspoon cumin powder, salt to taste, freshly ground black pepper to taste, and fresh parsley for garnish. Optionally, arrange for green onions and lemon wedges for serving.
Cooking the lentils
Begin by thoroughly rinsing red lentils under cold water until clear. In a medium pot over medium heat, mix the lentils with two cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and most of the water is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking.
Preparing bulgur mixture
Once the lentils are cooked and have cooled to warm, not hot, add one cup of fine bulgur into the pot off the heat. Cover with a lid immediately, letting the steam naturally soften the bulgur. This process makes the bulgur fluffy after about 20 minutes, with no need for additional cooking. It's a crucial step for achieving the perfect texture for the koftas.
Sauteing onions & spices
While your bulgur is softening in step two's process: Heat three tablespoons olive oil in another pan over medium heat; add finely chopped onions, sauteing them until they turn golden brown, which usually takes around five minutes. Then stir in tomato paste along with paprika and cumin powder; cook this mixture for another two minutes until everything is well combined, emitting fragrant aromas.
Mixing & shaping koftas
Combine the sauteed onion mixture with the bulgur and lentils. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well. Let it cool before shaping into oval koftas with damp hands to prevent sticking. Serve in lettuce leaves or with lemon wedges, garnished with parsley and optional green onions, for a healthy, flavorful appetizer that stays true to traditional tastes.
