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

Veronica Cooper
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These lentil balls are a great budget-friendly meal.


Zaqa Hawleri
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These lentil balls freeze well, so you can make a big batch and freeze them for later.


LEGEND Official
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These lentil balls are a great way to use up leftover lentils.


md Mahin
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I love the versatility of these lentil balls. You can serve them as an appetizer, main course, or side dish.


Steve Maina
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These lentil balls are a great meatless option. They are packed with protein and fiber.


blu inthecity
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I made these lentil balls for my kids and they loved them! They are a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables.


Braylon Debozy
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These lentil balls were a bit bland for my taste. I think I would add more spices next time.


Tara Clay
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I love these lentil balls! They are so healthy and filling. I often make them for lunch or dinner.


Sabina Akter
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These lentil balls were easy to make and very tasty. I added a bit of extra cumin and coriander to give them a more flavorful kick.


strawberry playz
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I made these lentil balls for a party and they were a huge success! Everyone loved them. I will definitely be making them again for my next party.


Savi Clement
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These lentil balls were a bit too spicy for my taste, but my husband loved them. He said they were the best lentil balls he's ever had.


Malaika Ayaz
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I've never cooked with lentils before, but these lentil balls were surprisingly delicious! The texture was perfect and the flavor was amazing. I will definitely be making these again.


Mfundo Ndalo
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These lentil balls were a hit with my family! They were easy to make and so flavorful. I loved the combination of lentils, herbs, and spices. I will definitely be making these again.