Ingredients for Vegetarian Kufteh Kfte Middle Eastern Meatballs
- Red Lentil
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 cup fine bulgur
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Onions
- Cumin Seed
- Flat Leaf Parsley
- 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (optional, for spice)
- Scallion
- Romaine Lettuce Leaf
- Lemon Wedge
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How to Make Vegetarian Kufteh Kfte Middle Eastern Meatballs
- Rinse lentils and combine with 2 cups water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, then reduce heat to low, add 1/2 teaspoon salt, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until lentils are soft and most of the water is absorbed.
- In a medium bowl, combine the bulgur with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add the cooked lentils and their liquid to the bowl.
- Stir well to combine, cover, and let sit for 30 minutes, or until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- While the lentil-bulgur mixture sits, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until golden and very tender.
- Stir in the ground cumin and cook for 30 seconds. Add the onion mixture to the lentil-bulgur mixture.
- Lightly moisten your hands with water and knead the mixture in the bowl for 3-5 minutes, adding a tablespoon of water if it seems too dry and crumbly. Moisten your hands as needed to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 cup minced parsley, and Aleppo pepper (if using). Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- With moistened hands, shape the mixture into walnut-sized balls. Moisten your hands as needed.
- Arrange the kufteh on a platter and sprinkle with the remaining parsley.
- Garnish with sliced scallions, romaine lettuce leaves, and lemon wedges.
- Serve immediately, or chill for several hours and serve cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
0 g
Sugar
0g
Fat
1g
Carbs
1g
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Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion Healthy Jewish Sephardi Appetizers Side Dishes Beans Vegetables Asian Middle Eastern Iranian Persian Dinner Party Kid Friendly Kosher Vegan Vegetarian Grains Turkish Dietary Low Sodium Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Lentils Healthy 2 Low In Something Pasta Rice And Grains Onions Taste Mood Savory To Go 4 Hours Or Less
