Ingredients for Lentil Köfte (Mercimek Köftesi)
- 2 water glasses (about 200 ml / 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp each) red lentils
- 1 water glass (about 200 ml / 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp) fine bulgur (cracked wheat) for köfte
- 1 onion
- 5 tablespoons margarine
- 2 tablespoons salça (Turkish tomato/pepper paste)
- 2 handfuls parsley
- Aleppo pepper flakes
- Salt
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How to Make Lentil Köfte (Mercimek Köftesi)
Pick over and rinse 2 water glasses (about 400 ml / 1¾ cups) of red lentils, then place them in a pot. Add water until it sits about 4 finger-widths above the lentils. Once the lentils are fully cooked, add 1 water glass (about 200 ml / 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp) of fine bulgur for köfte and stir to combine. Remove from the heat and let it rest. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, sauté 1 finely diced onion in 5 tablespoons of margarine. Add 2 tablespoons of salça (Turkish tomato/pepper paste) and stir for a few more minutes. Transfer the lentil mixture to a large bowl and pour the prepared onion mixture over the top. Chop 2 handfuls of parsley and add it along with salt and Aleppo pepper flakes, then mix everything together. Once cooled, shape the mixture by hand and serve with lemon slices and parsley. Enjoy!
