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Turkish Vegan Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köftesi) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 109 reviews

Turkish Vegan Lentil Balls, known as Mercimek Köftesi, are a flavorful and nutritious appetizer made from red lentils, fine bulgur, fresh herbs, and spices. This traditional vegan dish is easy to prepare, features a delicious blend of cumin, Aleppo pepper, and fresh parsley, and is perfect served chilled with lemon and lettuce.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 1/2 cup fine bulgur
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup green onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Aleppo pepper
  • 1/3 cup olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the Lentils: In a saucepan, cook 1 cup red lentils with 3 cups of water over medium heat until the lentils absorb all the water and are fully cooked, typically about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Soak the Bulgur: Turn off the heat, add 1 1/2 cups fine bulgur to the cooked lentils, cover with a lid, and let it sit for 30 minutes to allow bulgur to soften by steam absorption.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they turn golden brown, then stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for a few more minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from heat.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the lentil and bulgur mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add in the sautéed onion and tomato paste mixture and mix well to combine.
  5. Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in chopped parsley, chopped green onions, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper evenly into the mixture.
  6. Add Olive Oil and Mix: Pour 1/3 cup olive oil into the mixture and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the texture is uniform.
  7. Shape the Köftesi: Wet your hands slightly for easier handling and shape the mixture into long, finger-sized cylindrical lentil balls. Place them neatly on a serving platter.
  8. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the lentil balls for at least 1 hour to firm up and let the flavors meld. Serve chilled with fresh lemon wedges and lettuce leaves for wrapping or garnish.

Notes

  • For best results, use fine bulgur to ensure proper texture; coarser bulgur may yield a different consistency.
  • If the mixture feels too dry, add a little water or olive oil to help bind it.
  • Lemon juice can be squeezed over the lentil balls before serving to enhance flavor.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free only if using gluten-free bulgur substitute; regular bulgur contains gluten.
  • Leftover lentil balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • If Aleppo pepper is unavailable, substitute with mild chili flakes or paprika for a similar smoky heat.

Keywords: Turkish Vegan Lentil Balls, Mercimek Köftesi, vegan appetizer, lentil recipe, vegetarian Turkish food, healthy lentil balls, vegan Middle Eastern recipes

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/turkish-vegan-lentil-balls-mercimek-koftesi-recipe/