Turkish Lentil Patties(mercimekli kofte)

Turkish Lentil Patties: This is a healthy and delicious vegetarian dish and one of the most popular appetizers of Turkish cuisine. They are served cold and is a wonderful dish to be served on parties.

Ingredients

• 1 Cup ‏Red Lentil
• 1/2 cup ‏Bulgur(cracked wheat)
• 1 ‏Onion(finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp ‏Tomato Paste
• 1 ybsp ‏Red Pepper Paste
• 1/4 cup ‏Olive Oil
• 1 tsp ‏Cumin
• 1 tsp ‏salt
• 1/2 tsp ‏Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp ‏Crushed Red Pepper(optional)
• 2 1/2 cup ‏Water
• 1 tsp ‏Lemon Juice
• 1/4 cup ‏Parsley(finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup ‏Green onion(finely chopped)
• ‏Lettuce leaves for garnishing

Directions

1. First wash the red lentil and drain the water.
2. Take a pot and boil the red lentil with 2 ½ cup of water.When water starts boiling reduce the heat and cover half of the pan.
3. The lentils should be soft and tender at the end but there must be some water about 1/4 cup at the bottom. Note: Drain some of the water it if it is more than 1/4 cup Turn off the heat.
4. Add the bulgur and stir until well combined. Cover to let the bulgur expand.
5. Meanwhile heat olive oil in a pan add chopped onion and saute until soft.
6. Add tomato paste, red pepper paste, salt, cumin, black pepper and crushed red pepper. Stir in the spices.
7. Transfer this spice mixture in bulgur and lentil pot. Mix them well and add salt and pepper if needed.
8. Add green onion, lemon juice and half of finely chopped parsley. Mix all with your hands.
9. From this mixture make walnut shaped patties.
10. Serve Lentil Pates on a bed of lettuce leaves and Enjoy!