Red Lentil Patties (Mercimek Köftesi)

8 steps. Take it one step at a time.

1. 01

   Rinse the red lentils

   Rinse the red lentils and place them in a pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the lentils are soft and most of the water has been absorbed.

   20 min
2. 02

   Remove the pot from the heat

   Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fine bulgur. Cover the pot with a tight lid and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes until the bulgur has softened and absorbed the remaining liquid.

   30 min
3. 03

   Heat the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic

   In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion becomes translucent.

   8 min
4. 04

   Add the tomato paste, red pepper paste, salt, cumin, and red pepper flakes

   Add the tomato paste, red pepper paste, salt, cumin, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.

   3 min
5. 05

   Transfer the bulgur and lentil mixture

   Transfer the bulgur and lentil mixture into a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared onion and paste mixture over it. Once it is cool enough to handle, knead the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and the texture is smooth.

   5 min
6. 06

   Add the finely chopped green onions, parsley, and lemon juice

   Add the finely chopped green onions, parsley, and lemon juice. Knead briefly to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the mixture.

   2 min
7. 07

   Take walnut-sized pieces of the mixture and squeeze them

   Take walnut-sized pieces of the mixture and squeeze them in your palm to form small, elongated patties. The finger marks on the patties are a traditional characteristic of the dish.

   10 min
8. 08

   Arrange the patties

   Arrange the patties on a serving platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves. Garnish with lemon wedges.