Mercimek Köftesi

Mercimek Köftesi

Turkish red lentil and fine bulgur patties seasoned with pepper paste, cumin, fresh herbs, lemon, and pomegranate molasses, served in crisp lettuce leaves.

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Combine the red lentils and water in the saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer partially covered until the lentils are very soft and only a little liquid remains.

    Timer: 15 min (fixed)

    Ingredients used: 200.0 gr Red Lentil, 600.0 ml Water

    Cookware: saucepan, wooden spoon

  2. Step 2

    Remove the saucepan from the heat, stir in the bulgur, and cover. Let it stand until the bulgur absorbs the remaining moisture and becomes tender.

    Timer: 20 min (fixed)

    Ingredients used: 150.0 gr bulgur

    Cookware: saucepan, wooden spoon

  3. Step 3

    Heat the olive oil in the frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent.

    Timer: 7 min (fixed)

    Ingredients used: 60.0 ml Olive Oil, 1.0 piece Yellow Onion

    Cookware: frying pan, wooden spoon

  4. Step 4

    Add the tomato paste, red pepper paste, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the onion. Cook over low heat, stirring, until fragrant and evenly combined.

    Timer: 2 min (fixed)

    Ingredients used: 1.0 gr Ground Black Pepper, 4.0 gr Ground Cumin, 4.0 gr Paprika, 20.0 gr Red Pepper Paste, 6.0 gr Salt, 30.0 gr Tomato Paste, 2.0 gr Turkish Red Pepper Flakes (Pul Biber)

    Cookware: frying pan, wooden spoon

  5. Step 5

    Transfer the lentil-bulgur mixture to the mixing bowl and add the seasoned onion mixture. Stir thoroughly, then leave it to cool until comfortably warm.

    Timer: 15 min (fixed)

    Cookware: mixing bowl, wooden spoon

  6. Step 6

    Knead the warm mixture by hand until evenly colored, cohesive, and slightly sticky.

    Timer: 3 min (fixed)

    Cookware: mixing bowl

  7. Step 7

    Add the green onions, parsley, lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses. Fold and knead briefly until evenly distributed.

    Timer: 2 min (fixed)

    Ingredients used: 30.0 gr Flat-Leaf Parsley, 45.0 ml Lemon Juice, 15.0 ml Pomegranate Molasses, 5.0 piece Scallion

    Cookware: mixing bowl

  8. Step 8

    Take small portions of the mixture and squeeze each one gently in your palm to form an elongated, ridged patty.

    Timer: 6 min (fixed)

    Cookware: serving platter

  9. Step 9

    Arrange the patties with the romaine lettuce leaves on the serving platter and serve at room temperature.

    Ingredients used: 12.0 piece Romaine Lettuce

    Cookware: serving platter

Nutrition (Estimated)