Turkish Red Lentil Köfte - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 lb dried red lentils
1/4 lb bulgur wheat
8 tbsp olive oil
1 None large onion, peeled and finely diced
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp biber salcasi (Turkish pepper paste), or similar red pepper paste
1-2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 head lettuce, separated into leaves
1 bunch spring onions, sliced
1 None lemon, cut into wedges, to serve

Preparation

Bring lentils and 2 1/2 cups water to a boil, cover then simmer until soft (about 20 mins). Remove from heat, add bulgur wheat, cover and set aside to steep for about 15 mins.
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan and saute onions until translucent. Add tomato paste, Turkish pepper paste, cumin and paprika and cook for 2 mins, stirring. Add lentils and bulgur wheat, cover and set aside to cool. The mixture should be quite thick.
When lentils are cool, adjust seasoning and add lemon juice. Knead with your hands, adding a little water if it seems too dry. Divide and shape into 30 balls. Make a deep well in the middle of each ball. To serve, arrange lettuce on serving plates then top with kofte. Sprinkle with remaining olive oil and spring onions. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.