Red Lentil & Bulgur Patties — Turkish-Inspired, Hearty & Flavorful
These lentil and bulgur patties are a delicious twist on classic potato and bulgur fritters I shared last week, replacing potatoes with red lentils for a more filling and textured bite. Inspired by Adnana, a reader with a Turkish mother-in-law, this recipe yields perfectly moldable patties with balanced spices and fresh herbs.
🥄 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red lentils | 200 g |
| Fine bulgur | 100 g |
| Small onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Large garlic clove (crushed) | 1 |
| Red pepper paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Turkish spice blend | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | ¼ bunch |
| Chives (finely chopped) | 1 small bunch (~10 g) |
| Fresh mint (optional) | 2 sprigs |
| Lemon juice | From ½ lemon (~3 tbsp) |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lettuce leaves & lemon wedges (for serving) | As needed |
🔪 Instructions
- Cook lentils:
Rinse lentils thoroughly. Boil with 650 ml water, reduce to low heat with lid half-covered. Cook until lentils are soft and most water absorbed (~15 minutes). - Sauté aromatics:
Heat oil in a pan, soften chopped onion. Add crushed garlic and cook 1 more minute. Stir in red pepper paste and Turkish spice blend; cook an additional minute. - Mix bulgur:
Add bulgur, sautéed onion mixture, and salt to lentils. Stir well, cover, and let sit 10 minutes to allow bulgur to soften. - Prepare dough:
Remove lid and let mixture cool. Knead well for several minutes to form a moldable paste. - Add herbs & lemon:
Stir in chopped parsley, chives, mint (if using), and lemon juice. Knead another minute. Taste and adjust salt and lemon as needed. - Shape patties:
Form into round or oval patties. Place on a platter lined with lettuce leaves. - Serve:
Wrap patties in lettuce leaves and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
🍽 Serving Tips
- Serve these as a light main dish or appetizer alongside a fresh salad or yogurt dip.
- Great for picnics, mezze platters, or vegetarian meals.
- Can be pan-fried lightly in oil or served as is.
🧾 Final Thoughts
These red lentil and bulgur patties combine traditional Turkish flavors with wholesome ingredients, delivering a hearty, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and full of fresh, bright notes.