Red lentil kofta is a dish that originated from Turkey. It is similar to the Middle East’s dish falafel, except that the main ingredients are red lentils instead of chickpeas. It is a simple combination of red lentils, bulgur, and seasonings. It can be served as an appetizer with mayonnaise as a dip.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup red lentil
• 1 cup fine bulgur
• 3 spring onions (chopped)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 1 cup Italian parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon hot red pepper powder or paprika
• Salt to taste
• Crushed red pepper (optional)
• 3 cups water
• vegetable oil to fry onions
Instructions:
Prepare a large pot over medium-high heat.
Pour water.
Add red lentil and stir.
Cover the pot and reduce heat.
Let it cook for 25-35 minutes or until the lentils are soft.
Add the bulgur and mix.
Cover the pot and let it cook for 10 minutes or until the bulgur absorbs the water.
Remove from heat.
Prepare a saucepan over medium-high heat.
Saute onions until it turns golden brown.
Pour over the lentil and bulgur mixture.
Mix well.
Transfer to a wider dish.
Knead the mixture to make sure everything is mixed well.
Sprinkle salt, paprika, and spring onions.
Mix well.
Adjust seasonings to your taste and mix again.
Scoop the mixture and shape them into patties or snack-bites.
Fry it until golden brown.
Garnish with chopped Italian parsley.
Top it off with cumin and hot pepper powder.
Serve.
Tips and ideas:
You can serve it with salad veggies and crostini.
You can prepare different kinds of dips.
Images – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lutCNNwY75o