Mercimek Köftesi (Turkish Lentil Balls)

Name: Mercimek Köftesi (Turkish Lentil Balls)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 3 cups hot water; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, (plus more for drizzling); 2 yellow or white onions, (finely chopped); 1 tablespoon double concentrated tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Turkish red pepper paste ((biber salçası, see note)); 3/4 cup (heaping) red lentils, rinsed; 3/4 cup fine bulgur; 4 green onions, (trimmed and finely chopped); 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, (finely chopped); 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper ((optional)); Kosher salt, (to taste); Freshly ground black pepper, (to taste); Lettuce cups; Lemon wedges; Pomegranate molasses (optional)

Instructions

Prep:20minCook:30min

These soft lentil "meat"balls are very popular in my homeland of Turkey, and a great example of naturally wholesome and delicious plant-based food. We traditionally serve them at room temperature, wrapped in lettuce leaves with a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of pomegranate molasses, which adds a delicious tang.

Updated at: Tue, 28 Oct 2025 08:26:55 GMT