photo by Alya Swerling

By Alya Swerling, VRG Intern

Mercimek Köftesi is a traditional Turkish dish made from red lentils and fine bulgur, commonly served as a flavorful appetizer.

Ingredients: 

1 cup red lentils

1½ cups water

1 cup fine bulgur

1 small onion (finely chopped)

2 Tablespoons tomato paste

1 Tablespoon red pepper paste

1-2 Tablespoon(s) olive oil

1 teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste (use lightly)

3-4 green onions (chopped)

¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Lettuce leaves (for serving)

Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions: 

Rinse the lentils and add them to a pot with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until soft and most of the water is absorbed (about 15 minutes).

Turn off heat and stir lentils into the bulgur. Cover and let sit for 10-15 minutes until the bulgur softens.

In a pan, heat a small amount of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add tomato paste and pepper paste, cooking for a few minutes to deepen the flavor.

Mix the onion mixture into the lentil-bulgur mixture. Add cumin, black pepper, and a small amount of salt. Mix well.

Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in green onions and parsley. Shape into small oval balls using your hands. Serve on lettuce leaves with lemon wedges.