VEGETARIAN KUFTEH / KöFTE (MIDDLE-EASTERN MEATBALLS)
Kufteh (Persian), köfte (Turkish) and kibbeh (Arabic) are round, walnut-sized patties usually made from pounded meat but sometimes from fish or vegetable pulp, which then is mixed with fine bulgur, herbs and spices. Serve this vegetarian version as an appetizer or a side dish. This recipe is from Martha Rose Shulman and was printed in the New York Times (January 2, 2009).
Provided by blucoat
Categories Grains
Time 1h15m
Yield 30 kufteh
Number Of Ingredients 12
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.
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Prashant Adhikari
[email protected]I've never had vegetarian kofte before, but I was really impressed with this recipe. The meatballs were so flavorful and moist. I'll definitely be making them again.
Rose Bunmi
[email protected]These kofte were a bit time-consuming to make, but they were worth it. They were so delicious and flavorful. I'll definitely be making them again for special occasions.
SiFi IFi
[email protected]I'm not a fan of chickpeas, but I really liked these kofte. The flavors were so well-balanced and the texture was perfect. I'll definitely be making them again.
Said khan
[email protected]I made these kofte for a party and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved them. I served them with rice and a side of yogurt sauce and they were gone in no time.
Md manik ahmed Raj
[email protected]These kofte were a bit too spicy for my taste, but I still enjoyed them. I think I'll use less cayenne pepper next time.
Hussnain Jani
[email protected]I'm always looking for new vegetarian recipes and this one is a keeper. The meatballs were flavorful and moist, and the sauce was delicious. I served them with rice and a side of salad and it was a perfect meal.
PRINCEKIZ AFRICA
[email protected]These kofte were easy to make and turned out great! I used a food processor to chop the vegetables and it made the process even faster. I served them with rice and a side of yogurt sauce and they were a hit with my family.
M A H Ariyan Hasan
[email protected]I was looking for a vegetarian kofte recipe and this one caught my eye. I'm so glad I tried it! The meatballs were delicious and the sauce was perfect. I'll definitely be making this recipe again.
Nu-r Mo
[email protected]I'm not a vegetarian, but I really enjoyed these meatballs. They're so flavorful and satisfying. I'll definitely be making them again.
Isabel carrillo
[email protected]These kofte were a bit dry for my taste. I think I'll add some more moisture next time, maybe some grated zucchini or chopped tomatoes.
Kashan ahmed
[email protected]I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit. The meatballs are so flavorful and moist. I usually serve them with rice and a side of yogurt sauce.
Stephanne San Nicolas
[email protected]These vegetarian kofte were amazing! The flavors were so well-balanced and the texture was perfect. I love that they're a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs.