Mercimek Köftesi

Mercimek Köftesi Ingredients

1 cup lentil (orange or yellow)3 cups water1 cup fine bulgur4 tbsp olive oil (divided)1/2 cup onion (finely diced)2 cloves garlic (grated)2 tbsp tomato paste1 cup spring onion (chopped)1 cup parsley (chopped)1 tsp ground cumin1 tsp salt (to taste)1 tsp Aleppo pepper or chilli flakes1/2 tsp sumac1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Steps

In a pot on medium high heat, add lentils & water, bring to a boilContinue cooking until they have absorbed the water (abt 20 mins), remove from heat, immediately add bulgur, cover & let it sit for 30 minsHeat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan on medium high, add onion & garlic, cook until onion turns translucentAdd tomato paste, stir & cook for 2 minsTransfer cooked lentil & bulgur into a large bowl, add tomato paste mixture, remaining olive oil, rest of the ingredients (except spring onion & parsley) & mix well (using hands) for 2 minsAdd chopped fresh herbs, mix, taste to adjust seasoning & shape meatballs as preferredArrange them on a plate & place in the fridge for 1 hrTo serve, place meatballs on lettuce leaves, serve with sliced cucumbers & peppers (optional) & lemon wedges