Turkish Lentil Patties (Mercimek Köftesi)

Mercimek köftesi started as a way to stretch red lentils into something substantial, and it's stayed a staple across Turkey precisely because it needs no cooking once the lentils and bulgur are done — just shape, chill, and wrap in lettuce with a squeeze of lemon.

Between the red lentils and the bulgur, this dish carries an unusually high amount of fiber for its size, which is part of why lentil-based patties like these are often chosen by people managing blood sugar or looking for a heart-healthy plant protein source. They're naturally vegan, keep well in the fridge for a few days, and make an easy grab-and-go snack or light lunch wrapped in lettuce leaves.