Mercimek Köftesi (Turkish Red Lentil and Bulgur Balls)
In short: Soft red lentils and bulgur seasoned with onion, tomato paste, cumin and parsley, shaped by hand and served cold in lettuce leaves with lemon. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 275 kcal
Mercimek köftesi has no meat, despite the name: köfte just means a hand-shaped mixture. Red lentils and fine bulgur are cooked until soft, mixed with onion, tomato paste, spices and herbs, then squeezed into small ovals that keep the marks of your fingers. They are served cold, wrapped in lettuce with a squeeze of lemon, at meze tables, tea parties and Ramadan spreads.
Instructions
- Simmer the lentils with the water for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until they are very soft and nearly all the water is absorbed.
- Stir in the bulgur, cover and take the pot off the heat. Leave it for 20 minutes, until the bulgur is tender.
- Meanwhile, cook the onion in 2 tbsp of the oil for 6 to 7 minutes. Add the tomato paste, pepper paste, cumin, paprika and pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir the onion mixture into the lentils with the spring onions, parsley, lemon juice, remaining oil and salt. Knead with wet hands for 3 to 4 minutes, until it holds together.
- With wet hands, take a walnut-sized piece, squeeze it in your fist so it keeps your finger marks and set it on a platter. Repeat with the rest.
- Chill for 30 minutes. Serve cold or at room temperature with lettuce leaves and lemon wedges.
Tips
- Keep a bowl of water nearby and wet your hands often. The mixture is sticky when warm but firms up as it cools.
- A teaspoon of pomegranate molasses stirred in gives the köfte a tangier, darker flavor.
Questions and answers
How long do mercimek köftesi keep?
Up to 3 days, covered, in the fridge. The flavor improves after a few hours, but add another squeeze of lemon before serving.
Are mercimek köftesi served warm or cold?
Cold or at room temperature. Shape them while the mixture is still slightly warm, then chill so they firm up.
Can I make mercimek köftesi gluten-free?
Replace the bulgur with the same amount of cooked quinoa or a little extra lentil. The texture will be softer but still good.
How long does it take to make Mercimek Köftesi (Turkish Red Lentil and Bulgur Balls)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mercimek Köftesi (Turkish Red Lentil and Bulgur Balls)?
About 275 kcal per serving, with 11 g of protein, 42 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 275 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
