Lentil Kofta: Better Than Meat When Cooked This Easy Way!
Look no further than lentil kofta for a tasty and healthful substitute for conventional meat kofta. Lentils, full in fiber and protein, are a great foundation for these satisfying and tasty patties. This recipe for lentil kofta, which is full of spices and easy to prepare, is likely to become a family favorite. This is how you get there.
Ingredients Required
- One cup of washed and drained red lentils
- Two cups of water to cook the lentils
- Bulgar Wheat: 1/2 cup; helps bind the kofta and gives texture.
- One medium onion, cut finely
- Three minced cloves of garlic
- Two teaspoons of tomato paste, for richness
- Two tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing
- Add the 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon each of cumin and paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- New
- Herbs: For freshness, cut a handful of parsley and mint.
- One tablespoon of lemon juice for a zesty boost
Easy Recipe Guide:
Prepare the Lentils:
Add one cup of red lentils and two cups of water to a big pot. After bringing to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer the lentils for around fifteen minutes, or until they are tender and have absorbed the majority of the water. To avoid sticking, add a little extra water if necessary.
Include Bulgar Wheat:
After turning off the heat, whisk in half a cup of bulgar wheat. After covering the pot, wait fifteen minutes or such. Any liquid left will be absorbed by the bulgar, which will soften.
Cook the Veggies:
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over on medium heat. Add the onion, finely diced, and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Cook for a further minute after adding the minced garlic.
Mix the ingredients together:
To the lentil and bulgar mixture, add the sautéed onions and garlic. Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon each of paprika and cumin, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and salt and pepper to taste. Until all the ingredients are mixed, thoroughly mix.
Form the Kofta:
Add one tablespoon of lemon juice and a handful of finely chopped mint and parsley to the mixture when it has cooled slightly. Form the ingredients into little oval-shaped patties or balls using your hands.
Prepare the kofta:
The lentil kofta can be prepared in a skillet with a little
olive oil, grill them for about 20 minutes, or bake them at 375°F (190°C) in the oven. Cook until the outsides are somewhat crunchy and the color turns golden brown.
Present and Savor:
Serve the lentil kofta hot, topped with a squeeze of lemon juice and more fresh herbs. They are ideal served in a wrap, beside a side salad, or topped with a dollop of tahini sauce or yogurt.
The Reason This Recipe Is Effective:
- Healthy and Satisfying: Because lentils are strong in fiber and protein, these kofta are satisfying and nutritious.
- Taste: The kofta has a rich, fragrant flavor that is derived from the combination of spices and fresh herbs.
- Versatile: Adding lentil kofta to your meal repertoire allows you to serve them in a variety of ways.
Advice for Best Outcomes:
- Consistency: Take care that the mixture of bulgar and lentils is not overly moist. If so, give it a little more time to sit or add a little more bulgar.
- Fresh Herbs: The kofta gains a taste and freshness boost from the addition of fresh parsley and mint.
- Cooking Method: To get the right texture and flavor, use your favorite cooking method, such as a skillet, oven, or grill.
- A delicious and simple meatless choice, lentil kofta are packed with flavor. Taste-buds will be delighted when you try this dish for a tasty, healthful take on traditional meat kofta!