Mercimek Köftesi (Spiced Red Lentil Patties)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cup red lentils
• 1/3 cup cup fine bulgur
• 1 small onion
• 1 tbsp tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp tsp cumin
• 1 tsp tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp tsp salt
• 2 green onion
• small handful fresh parsley
• 4-5 lettuce leaves
• 1 wedge lemon

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the lentils, then simmer in 1.5 cups water for 15-20 minutes until very soft and the water is absorbed.

2. 2

   Stir the bulgur into the hot lentils, cover, and let rest 10 minutes until the bulgur softens.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, sauté the chopped onion in olive oil until golden, then add the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and salt and cook 1 minute.

4. 4

   Combine the onion mixture with the lentil-bulgur mix and knead well.

5. 5

   Fold in the finely chopped green onions and parsley.

6. 6

   With damp hands, shape into small oval patties.

7. 7

   Serve chilled or at room temperature on lettuce leaves with a squeeze of lemon.