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Prep time
10 minutes
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Cook time
40 minutes
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Makes
25-30 pieces
Author Notes
Red lentil kofte is very much enjoyed by Turks at tea parties next to pastries, cakes or as a side dish next to main courses during lunch or dinner. It is incredibly delicious because of all the spices and aromatics in it as well as it is filling. This crowd-pleaser can be prepared in advance and served cold. We wrap our koftes in lettuce leaves and drizzle some lemon juice or pomegranate sauce before devouring it. —Saboush
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Ingredients
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1.5 cups
red lentils
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1 cup
fine bulgur
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3
small-medium onions, very finely chopped
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2 tablespoons
olive oil, for sautéing
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5 tablespoons
olive oil, for the mixture
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1 pinch
brown sugar
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2 tablespoons
tomatoe paste
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1/2 teaspoon
salt
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1 teaspoon
ground cumin
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1 teaspoon
sumac
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1/2 teaspoon
chili flakes
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1 pinch
cayenne pepper
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juice of 1/2 lemon
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1 bunch
parsley leaves, finely chopped§
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6-7
stals scallions/spring onions, finely chopped
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lettuce leaves , for serving
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pomegranate sauce, for serving
Directions
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Put the lentils in a saucepan, add 3 cups of cold water, and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat to low and simmer until the lentils have absorbed all the water and thoroughly cooked. If necessary, add a little bit more water. Turn off the heat.
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Immediately, stir in the bulgur then close the lid tightly and let everything steam for 15-20 minutes.
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In the meantime, sauté the onion with a pinch of sugar, for 5 minutes in medium heat until pink and soft. Add the tomato paste and sauté for a further 2 minutes, and let it cool to room temperature.
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Stir in the onion into the lentil-bulgur mix. Add the salt, black pepper, cumin, sumac, chilli flakes and cayenne pepper, lemon juice and olive oil. Mix and knead everything until the consistency of the mixture is doughy enough to form the koftes. At this stage check the taste, if desired, you can add more spices.
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Finally mix in the spring onions and parsley. Mix well with your hands and form the mixture between your hands into small-medium size koftes.
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Let the koftes cool in the fridge for at least a couple of hours before serving. Drizzle more lemon juice/pomegranate sauce and serve with lettuce leaves.
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