Turkish Red Lentil Kofte

Remember the Kibbeh? This dish is Turkish, not Lebanese, but it is related. At least, it's another paste made by mixing bulgur with other foods.The resulting little balls are eaten cold, like a sturdy salad, and I'd be very inclined to serve them on a bed of lettuce, possibly with the usual Turkish yogurt flavoured with garlic and a bit of salt. I did try sautéing some of the leftovers, and they were okay, but cold is better.

24 kofte - 4 to 6 servings
1 hour - 30 minutes prep time

Cook the Lentils & Bulgur:
1 cup red lentils
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup fine bulgur

Put the lentils, water, and salt into a rice cooker and turn on. It's a good idea to set a timer for about 20 minutes, as when the lentils are almost done you should add the bulgur and mix it in. If it turns off, don't worry; just mix in the bulgur as soon as you hear the "click". Place the covered container on a heat-proof surface and let cool enough to handle.

Make the Kofte:
1 medium onion
2 tablespoons olive OR sunflower oil
1 teaspoon cumin seed, ground
2 tablespoons tomato paste (if you have Turkish pepper paste, use for half)
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon rubbed savory
1 teaspoon rubbed mint
1/2 cup finely minced fresh parsley OR green onion
    (can also use cilantro, dill, or mint; in smaller quantities to taste)
the juice of 1 medium lemon
lettuce to serve

Peel and finely chop the onion. Heat the oi in a small skillet and cook the onions gently until softened and translucent. Add the ground cumin seed, tomato and pepper pastes, savory, and mint, and mix in well for a minute . Turn the onion into a mixing bowl and let cool for a minute. Add the lentils and bulgur.

Wash, dry, and finely mince the parsley and green onion and/or other herbs. Mix them in with the lemon juice. Take handfuls of the mixture and form into egg-shaped balls. Serve them on a bed of lettuce.





Last year at this time I made Yedifin Miser Alicha Wot (Stewed Lentils).

Posted in: Ontario Food