Classic Turkish Red Lentil Köfte
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 3 cups water
- 1.5 cups fine bulgur
- 1 large onion
- 1 tablespoon pepper paste
- 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cumin
- Red pepper flakes
- Green onions
- Parsley
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional: 2-3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
Preparation
Wash the lentils and cook them with 3 cups of water until done but not completely dry, then add the bulgur, stir, remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes
Finely chop the onion and sauté it in vegetable oil, add the pepper paste and tomato paste, and continue sautéing
Pour the sautéed mixture into the lentil and bulgur mixture, add the spices, lemon juice, and optional pomegranate molasses, then knead everything together
Chop the green onions and parsley, add them to the mixture, knead again, and shape into köftes
