Turkish Lentil Meatballs (Vegan Mercimek Kofte)

Name: Turkish Lentil Meatballs (Vegan Mercimek Kofte)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 200 g (1 cup) dry red lentils; 400 ml (1 3/4 cups) water; 80 g (1/2 cup) fine bulgur (ince / köftelik bulgur); 4 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 large onion (~250 g), shredded; 3 tbsp (45 g) tomato paste; 1 tbsp (15 g) Turkish pepper paste (or sub with more tomato paste); 1 tsp salt (2 tsp Kosher); 3 stalks of scallion, chopped; 1 bunch (30 g) flat-leaf (Italian) parsley leaves, chopped; 1/2 bunch (15 g) mint leaves, chopped; 1 tbsp Aleppo pepper flakes; 2 cups salad greens (e.g. Romaine leaves); lemon wedges

Instructions

Prep:20minCook:40min

Here's our family recipe for Turkish lentil balls —a delicious classic full of protein thanks to red lentils and bulgur! Vegan with a gluten-free option. Perfect as a snack or a main, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Updated at: Thu, 25 Dec 2025 08:57:49 GMT