Embark on a culinary journey to Armenia with our tantalizing Armenian Lentil and Bulgur Cakes recipe. These delectable patties, known as "Kololik" in Armenian, are a harmonious blend of lentils, bulgur, and a symphony of herbs and spices. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of cumin, coriander, and paprika, perfectly balanced by the tangy brightness of lemon juice and the warmth of garlic. The result is a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.
This comprehensive guide provides not only the classic Armenian Lentil and Bulgur Cakes recipe but also a diverse collection of variations that cater to different dietary preferences and culinary adventures. Discover the vibrant "Red Lentil Cakes with Tahini Sauce," a vegan and gluten-free option that bursts with color and flavor. For those seeking a heartier indulgence, the "Lentil and Beef Kofta" offers a satisfying combination of ground beef and lentils, while the "Bulgur and Chickpea Cakes" provide a delightful twist with their nutty and earthy notes.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary exploration, this guide has something for everyone. Each recipe is meticulously explained with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and beautiful imagery that will inspire your cooking journey. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on a delicious voyage into the heart of Armenian cuisine with these delectable lentil and bulgur cakes.
ARMENIAN LENTIL AND BULGUR CAKES
A vegetarian kibbee from The Cuisine of Armenia. Great with cucumber and tomato salad, tzatziki, pita, rice pilaf, etc. I leave the red/green pepper per family preferences.
Provided by winkki
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 50m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine lentils, water and salt in heavy saucepan.
- Bring to boil; simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 min, adding more hot water if needed.
- Add 1/2 cup of the butter and all the bulgur; simmer 2-3 minute Remove from heat and cover; set aside 15 minute.
- In heavy skillet, melt remaining 1/4 cup butter over med heat.
- Add onion and saute until golden brown; stir frequently.
- In large mixing bowl combine sauteed onions with lentil and bulgur mixture.
- Wet hands in warm water and knead mixture until well blended, 2-3 minutes.
- (Wet hands again as needed).
- Add 3 Tbsp each: peppers, green onions, parsley and mint to mixture and mix well.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Keeping hands moistened, form mixture into 1/2" thick patties.
- Arrange on serving dish; sprinkle with reserved sweet pepper, green onions, parsley and mint.
- Season to taste with paprika.
- (If you prefer your kibbee baked, place on oiled baking sheet and place in 375F oven until golden brown-- I never do this so am not sure how long it would take- 10-15 min?).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 583.8, Fat 35.5, SaturatedFat 22, Cholesterol 91.5, Sodium 300.7, Carbohydrate 53.2, Fiber 20.7, Sugar 2.7, Protein 16.7
ARMENIAN BULGUR WHEAT AND LENTILS WITH SWEET PEPPERS
A delicious meatless main course or hearty appetizer. This is adapted from a recipe in Feast From the Mideast by Faye Levy, with a few minor changes. Her recipe includes parsley, which you may add at the last step, but I'm not a big parsley fan so I omit it. I recently discovered bulgur wheat and am looking for more ways to enjoy this delicious, easy-to-use grain.
Provided by Dan H
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine the lentils and broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium heat, and cook covered for 20 minutes. Drain the liquid, then add water to make 2 cups and reserve.
- Meanwhile, saute the peppers in 1 tablespoon of the oil on medium heat, stirring often, for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Saute the onion in 2-3 tablespoons oil, on medium heat, for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Add half of the onions to the lentils. Add the reserved liquid, salt to taste, and the bulgur wheat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and cook covered for 20 minutes.
- Remove cover, turn off the stove, and add the peppers and the remaining onions. Do not stir, allow to sit for 10 minutes.
- Add the black pepper, paprika and cayenne pepper, and green onion, and toss to mix spices and ingredients.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 416.6, Fat 18.5, SaturatedFat 2.7, Sodium 391.5, Carbohydrate 47.4, Fiber 19, Sugar 5.9, Protein 17.5
RED LENTIL AND BULGUR KUFTEH
I adapted this from an Armenian recipe that I found on the back of my packet of red lentils. Kufteh (Persian), köfte (Turkish), and kibbeh (Arabic) are round walnut size patties usually made from pounded meat (the word means "pounded") but sometimes made with fish or vegetable pulp, mixed with fine bulgur, herbs, and spices. Serve this vegetarian version as an appetizer or a side dish.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Time 1h30m
Yield about 30 kufteh, serving 6 to 8 as an hors d'oeuvre.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine the lentils and water in a large saucepan, bring to a boil, skim off any foam, reduce the heat, add salt to taste and simmer 30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and most but not all of the water is absorbed.
- Place the bulgur in a bowl, mix with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pour in the lentils with their liquid. Stir together, then cover and let sit for 30 minutes, until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-low heat and add the onion. Cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden and very tender. Stir often. Add the ground cumin and stir together for about 30 seconds, then stir into the lentils and bulgur.
- Moisten your hands with water and knead the mixture in the bowl for 3 to 5 minutes. Each time it begins to stick to your hands, moisten them again, and this will moisten the mixture. If it seems very dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon of water. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 cup of the minced parsley, and for a spicier mixture add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper. Taste and adjust salt.
- Moisten your hands and shape the mixture into walnut-size balls (about 1 inch). You'll have to moisten your hands again whenever the mixture begins to stick to them. Place on a platter and sprinkle with the remaining parsley. Garnish with scallions, romaine lettuce leaves and lemon wedges, and serve, or chill for several hours. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 122, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 5 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 223 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram
ARMENIAN NUTMEG CAKE
Armenia is famous for its sweet and spicy nutmeg cake. It has a crunchy base and light cake topping, and tastes delicious. This recipe was given to me 16 years ago by the mother of one of my son's kindergarten friends. Tried and true!
Provided by Daydream
Categories Dessert
Time 1h15m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 9 inch square pan, and line with baking paper if desired.
- Combine flour, baking powder and salt, then rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- You can do this with the tips of your fingers or in your food processor.
- Then add sugar, and combine.
- Press half this mixture evenly over the base of the prepared cake pan, and reserve other half.
- Dissolve baking soda in milk (or sour cream), add beaten egg and nutmeg, then add to reserved mixture.
- Combine well.
- Pour into pan and sprinkle nuts, and some cinnamon if desired, over top.
- Bake in oven for 45 minutes to 60 minutes (start testing for doneness with a skewer after about 45 minutes).
- Allow to stand for 10 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 335, Fat 12.3, SaturatedFat 5.8, Cholesterol 38.7, Sodium 242.3, Carbohydrate 53.7, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 35.8, Protein 4.2
Tips:
- Use high-quality lentils. Lentils are the star of this dish, so it's important to use high-quality lentils. Look for lentils that are plump and free of debris.
- Soak the lentils before cooking. Soaking the lentils before cooking helps to soften them and reduce cooking time. You can soak the lentils in cold water for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Use a variety of spices. The spices used in this recipe are cumin, coriander, and paprika. These spices add a warm and flavorful taste to the cakes.
- Don't overcook the lentils. Overcooked lentils will become mushy and lose their flavor. Cook the lentils until they are tender but still hold their shape.
- Serve the cakes hot or cold. Armenian lentil and bulgur cakes can be served hot or cold. If you're serving them hot, you can top them with a dollop of yogurt or tahini sauce. If you're serving them cold, you can pack them in a lunch box for a quick and easy meal.
Conclusion:
Armenian lentil and bulgur cakes are a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. These lentil and bulgur cakes are also a good option for vegetarians and vegans. This dish is a great way to use up leftover lentils and bulgur. It's also a delicious and affordable meal that can be easily made at home.
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