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Turkish Lentil Patties (Mercimek Köftesi)

No-cook Turkish lentil and bulgur patties wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves with lemon, a fiber-rich vegan snack.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup fine bulgur
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 3 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • romaine lettuce leaves to serve

Instructions

  1. Combine lentils and water in a pot; bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered 12-15 minutes until lentils are soft and water is mostly absorbed.
  2. Stir in bulgur, cover, and let stand off heat 15 minutes until bulgur is tender and mixture has thickened.
  3. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet; sauté onion until soft, add tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes; cook 2 minutes.
  4. Stir the onion mixture into the lentil-bulgur mixture along with green onions, parsley, lemon juice, and salt; mix well and let cool slightly.
  5. With damp hands, shape into small oval patties or scoop into lettuce leaves.
  6. Serve chilled or at room temperature, wrapped in lettuce leaves with extra lemon.