Red Sonja Mercimek Koftesi

Ingredients: 

1 cup red lentil

1/2 cup fine bulgar (cracked wheat)

2 cups water

1/2 cup olive oil

1 medium onion, very finely chopped

1 tbsp tomato paste

1/2 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp paprika powder

1 tsp salt

3 lemons: 2 juiced, 1 zested, & 1 cut into slices for serving

1/2 bunch parsley, finely chopped and dried

1/2 bunch green onion, finely chopped

romaine lettuce pieces

Optional ingredients: 1 tsp red pepper powder, 1/2 tbsp red pepper paste, 1 tsp black pepper

Recipe: 

1. Soak the red lentils in water for 4-5 hours. Drain.

2. Boil 2 cups water in a pot, and add the red lentils.  Cook until almost all water is absorbed.  Remove from heat.

3. Add bulgar and salt to the lentils and water, mix gently, and then cover for 10-15 minutes.

4. In a different pan, add oil and onions.  Sautee until translucent. Then add paprika, cumin powder, and tomato paste.  Cook for 1-2 more minutes.  Let cool.

5. Mix both mixtures and add green onions, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice from 1 lemon, and optional ingredients.  Taste and add more lemon juice if necessary.  

6. Form into koftas with your hand, and then place in lettuce leaves with cut lemon. Serve!!!