red lentil balls

Directions

1. put the red lentils in a medium saucepan with the water. measurement for water is vague, because different brands of lentils tend to soak up different amounts of water. i usually start with 1,5 cups of water and ad as needed. by the time the lentils are thoroughly cooked, they should be watery but there shouldn't be any water on top of the lentils.
2. as soon as the lentils are cooked, turn off heat, add the bulghour, stir with a wooden spoon, put a lid on the pan, and let soak for appr. 30 minutes.
3. meanwhile chop onions, spring onions and parsley very finely.
4. put 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a pan and add onions. sautee them until they turn glassy but not brown.
5. add tomato puree and cook for 5 more minutes
6. let everything cool down enough to be handled with bare hands.
7. put lentil mixture, onions, spring onions, parsley and rest of the oil in a big bowl and mix thoroughly with hands. add pepper flakes and salt to taste and knead through.
8. form little balls with your hands and put on lettuce leaves arranged on serving plate