Lentil Balls, known as Mercimek Köftesi in Turkish, are a beloved and nutritious appetizer that showcases the versatility of red lentils. These flavorful morsels are made by combining cooked red lentils with fine bulgur, fresh herbs, and a blend of spices. Shaped into bite-sized portions, Lentil Balls are often served as a light starter or a satisfying snack. Their refreshing taste and healthy ingredients make them a popular choice for gatherings and everyday meals alike. Whether you’re looking to explore Turkish cuisine or simply want to enjoy a wholesome treat, Lentil Balls are sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients For Easy Lentil Balls Recipe
1 cup red lentil
1,5 water glass of fine bulgur
1 head of onion
1 bunch of parsley
5 tablespoons of oil
1 bunch of spring onion
2 tablespoons of tomato paste (you can use mixed chilli and tomato paste)
3 cups of water (if necessary, a little more can be added during the kneading stage)
Enough salt
Cumin
Chilli flakes
Black Pepper
How to Make Easy Lentil Balls Recipe?
* To make lentil meatballs, wash the lentils and put them in a suitable pot and add 3 cups of water. It is boiled until it softens well.
* When the water is absorbed, add the bulgur into it and keep the lid of the pot closed for half an hour.
In a separate pan, roast the finely sliced onion in oil until it turns slightly pink, add tomato paste in it and roast for 1-2 more minutes and remove from the stove.
* Add the onion with tomato paste to the lentils rested for half an hour, and knead the mixture well when it reaches to a temperature that will not burn your hands.
* Add salt and spices into the well mixed meatball mixture and knead it again.
* Finally, add finely chopped parsley and finely chopped green onion. Mix the ingredients well.
* After the meatball mixture cools down a little, knead all the ingredients by hand and pick egg sized pieces.
* Shape the meatballs and place them on lettuce or rocket leaves.
* I am adding step by step pictures below, you can write me anything you have in mind in the comments. Bon appetit to those who will try my * Lentil Meatballs Recipe, I am waiting for your photos and comments 🙂
What are the Lentil Meatball Recipe Tricks?
* If you notice that it is dry while kneading your lentil meatball mixture, you can add a small amount of water.
* In order for the bulgur to swell and integrate with lentils, you should rest your pot with the lid closed.
* For a delicious lentil meatballs, you should knead your meatballs well while kneading and ensure that the ingredients are combined with each other.
* If you are going to keep your lentil meatballs, you should stretch them. Otherwise, your meatballs may dry out.
* You can shape your lentil meatballs by hand with any mould and you can get different presentations.
What Goes With Lentil ?
A nice pastry or a soft pastry with your lentil meatballs: Tray Pastry with Cheese – Patisserie pastry
A fluffy sponge cake: Brownie Wet Cake
A magnificent cookie that melts in the mouth: You can prepare a legendary menu with Apple Cookies.
How Many Calories Are Lentil Balls?
1 lentil meatball, approximately
corresponds to 39 calories.
Tools and Equipment Used for Lentil
Cookware
Pan
