Mercimek Koftesi (Lentil Balls) Recipe

Name: Mercimek Koftesi (Lentil Balls)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups red lentils; Salt; 1 cup fine bulgur; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 tablespoons Biber Salcasi, Turkish red pepper paste (not harissa), or a mix of pureed roasted hot and sweet red peppers; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional); Black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup scallions, finely chopped; 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley; Romaine or other small cupped lettuce leaves

Servings: persons

2 cups red lentils
Salt
1 cup fine bulgur
1/2 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons Biber Salcasi, Turkish red pepper paste (not harissa), or a mix of pureed roasted hot and sweet red peppers
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
Black pepper to taste
1/2 cup scallions, finely chopped
1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Romaine or other small cupped lettuce leaves

1
In a small saucepan, combine the lentils, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 4 cups of water.
2
Bring to a boil and then simmer uncovered over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and have absorbed most of the water, about 10 minutes.
3
Stir in the bulgur and remove from the heat.
4
Cover and set aside until the bulgur is very soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
5
In a small skillet over low heat, heat the oil and add the onion, sauteing until soft, about 3 minutes.
6
Add the tomato and pepper pastes and mix well.
7
Remove from the heat and cool.
8
Add cumin, crushed red pepper and black pepper.
9
Season with salt to taste.
10
Add the onion mixture to the lentil mixture and toss to mix.
11
Add the scallions and parsley, mixing gently.
12
Line a platter or individual serving plates with lettuce leaves.
13
With dampened hands, form the lentil mixture into oval walnut-size balls, placing them on top of the lettuce.
14
Serve immediately, or cover lightly and refrigerate up to one hour.

414

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups red lentils, Salt, 1 cup fine bulgur, 1/2 cup olive oil, and more.

Yes, Mercimek Koftesi (Lentil Balls) falls under the Vegetarian category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Mercimek Koftesi (Lentil Balls)

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