Vegan Turkish Lentil Balls Recipe (Mercimek Köfte) (2024)

• Red lentils
• Quinoa, wheat germ, flaxseed meal, or fine bulgur
• Tomato paste
• Cilantro or parsley
• Spring onion
• Onion
• Lemon
• Spices

See the recipe card for quantities.

Step 1.Bring the water to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and add the lentils.

Step 2. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the lentils change from red to yellow. The lentils should be mostly dry.

Step 3: Add the onion, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, curry powder, red chili powder (if using), and garam masala. Add more water (up to 3 tablespoons) as needed, and cook for about 5 minutes or until the lentils are fully cooked, stirring constantly. The mixture should be thick and hold together.

Step 4. Transfer the lentil mixture to a large bowl.

Step 5. Add the lemon juice, cilantro, and spring onion. Mix well and season with more lemon juice, and salt to taste. Add the quinoa, wheat germ, or flaxseed meal and mix to incorporate.

Step 6. Add more until the mixture holds together well when pressed.

Step 7. Use your hands to form the balls. For larger lentil balls, use ¼ cup measurement, and for smaller balls, about 2 tablespoons.

Optional for crispy:Transfer the lentil balls to a non-stick or lined baking sheet. Brush them lightly with olive oil (optional). Bake at 375ºF for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside to cool for at least 5 minutes to firm up.

Step 8. Vegan Turkish lentil balls taste incredible with this healthy capsicum chutney.

Transfer the dates and raisins to a small bowl. Add boiled water cover, about ¾ cup. Soak for about 15 minutes, or until softened. Drain and reserve the soaking water. (See the recipe card below for measurements.)

✔️ Expert Tips

• Gluten-free - Instead of wheat germ, add cooked quinoa or flaxseed meal for gluten-free.
• For crispy lentil balls, bake or air fry.
• Air frying or baking is optional. They are delicious without further cooking.
• For serving: Vegan Turkish lentil balls taste incredible mashed with rice, or farro, and topped with chutney, falafel sauce, lemon herb tahini, and this oil-free Avocado Dressing.

What can I use instead of wheat germ for gluten-free?

Wheat germ binds the lentil balls, holding them together. Cooked quinoa or ground flaxseed would also work well.

Can I use green or brown lentils to make Turkish lentil balls?

Green and brown lentils will also work in this recipe. Cook them until tender, adding more broth or water as needed until tender. Add the water or broth gradually as they should be mostly dry once cooked.

How do you serve Turkish lentil balls?

These vegan high-protein lentil balls are very versatile. Serve them with salad, or lettuce, in grain bowls, as a sandwich filling, mashed with farro and sauce, or as a crispy side with a dipping sauce.

Vegan Turkish Lentil Balls Recipe (Mercimek Köfte)

Nisha Melvani

These vegan Turkish lentil balls (Mercimek Köfte) are packed with plant-based protein, healthy, and flavorful. They're easy to make, gluten-free option, and oil-free.

Nutrition

Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 793mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 778IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 6mg

This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.