MERCIMEK KOFTESI (LENTIL BALLS)

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Mercimek Koftesi (Lentil Balls) image

Provided by Joan Nathan

Categories     dinner, appetizer

Time 1h

Yield About 40 lentil balls, 8 to 10 appetizer servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups red lentils
Salt
1 cup fine bulgur
1/2 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons Biber Salcasi, Turkish red pepper paste (not harissa), or a mix of puréed roasted hot and sweet red peppers
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
Black pepper to taste
1/2 cup scallions, finely chopped
1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Romaine or other small cupped lettuce leaves

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine the lentils, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer uncovered over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and have absorbed most of the water, about 10 minutes. Stir in the bulgur and remove from the heat. Cover and set aside until the bulgur is very soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • In a small skillet over low heat, heat the oil and add the onion, sautéing until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato and pepper pastes and mix well. Remove from the heat and cool. Add cumin, crushed red pepper and black pepper. Season with salt to taste.
  • Add the onion mixture to the lentil mixture and toss to mix. Add the scallions and parsley, mixing gently. Line a platter or individual serving plates with lettuce leaves. With dampened hands, form the lentil mixture into oval walnut-size balls, placing them on top of the lettuce. Serve immediately, or cover lightly and refrigerate up to one hour.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 73, UnsaturatedFat 2 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 3 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 53 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams

Margarita Fernandez
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I highly recommend this recipe. It's easy to follow and the results are delicious. I'll definitely be making these lentil balls again.


Eddie Rylin
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These lentil balls are a great make-ahead meal. I often make a big batch on the weekend and then reheat them throughout the week.


MD babu Sarkar
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I love the versatility of these lentil balls. I've served them with rice, pasta, and even salad. They're always a hit.


Luther Hippolyte
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These lentil balls are a great way to get your kids to eat lentils. They're so tasty, they'll never know they're eating something healthy.


xayat Xasan matan
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I've never been a fan of lentils, but these lentil balls have changed my mind. They're so delicious and easy to make. I'll definitely be making them again.


Yara Saad
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I'm not a vegan, but I love these lentil balls. They're so flavorful and filling. I often make them for my meat-eating friends and they're always impressed.


Sameer Khankhilji
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These lentil balls are so delicious and satisfying. I feel good about eating them because they're made with healthy ingredients.


Nadia Akther
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I love that this recipe uses simple ingredients that I always have on hand. It's a great way to use up leftover lentils.


Malek hossam2022
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These are the best lentil balls I've ever had! The combination of lentils, spices, and herbs is perfect. I highly recommend this recipe.


zarina judal
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I've made these lentil balls several times now and they're always a crowd-pleaser. They're so versatile, I've served them as an appetizer, main course, and even a side dish.


Lehlohonolo Motaung
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These lentil balls were a hit! They were easy to make and so flavorful. I served them with tzatziki sauce and they were perfect.