Dairy-Free Mercimek Köftesi (Lentil Patties)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Red lentils
• 0.5 cup Fine bulgur
• 0.25 cup Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 tablespoon Dried mint
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parsley
• 2 stalks Green onions
• 4 wedges Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. 1Measure the 1 cup of red lentils into a medium saucepan and rinse them under cold water. Add 2 cups of water to the saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the lentils are very soft. Drain any excess water from the saucepan.
2. 2While the lentils are cooking, place the 0.5 cup of fine bulgur in a heatproof bowl. Pour 1 cup of hot water over the bulgur, stir, cover the bowl with a plate, and let it sit for 15 minutes, or until the bulgur has absorbed the water and is softened.
3. 3Finely chop the 1 medium onion. Place a 10-inch skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the 0.25 cup of olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and soft.
4. 4Add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of dried mint, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper to the skillet with the onions. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes, until fragrant.
5. 5In a large bowl, combine the cooked red lentils, the softened fine bulgur, and the onion and spice mixture from the skillet. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
6. 6Let the lentil and bulgur mixture cool for about 10 minutes. Finely chop the 0.5 cup of parsley and the 2 stalks of green onions. Add the chopped parsley and green onions to the cooled mixture and gently mix them in.
7. 7Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and shape it into small, oval patties, about 2 inches long and 1 inch thick. You should have about 12-16 patties.
8. 8Arrange the 4 lemon wedges on a serving platter. Serve the lentil patties immediately with the lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over.

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