Turkish Red Lentil Köfte
Ingredients
- 2 cups red lentils
- 4-4.5 cups water for cooking
- 1 cup fine bulgur
- 6-7 green onions
- Half bunch parsley
- Lemon juice
Sauce
- 1 large onion
- 1 tea cup vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon red pepper paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Half teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Preparation
Wash the red lentils and place them in a pot, add water and cook on low heat until done, then add the bulgur, stir well, cover and set aside
For the sauce, finely chop the onion, heat oil in a pan, add onion and sauté, then add tomato and pepper paste and continue sautéing, finally add spices and remove from heat
Transfer the lentil and bulgur mixture to a large bowl
Pour the sauce over the mixture and mix with your hands
Wash and finely chop parsley and green onions, then add them to the bowl
Squeeze lemon over the mixture, knead well, shape into köftes and serve with lettuce and lemon
Tips
Make smaller portions to yield more
Store leftovers in an airtight container for later use
