LIGHT POTATO & BULGUR PATTIES WITH HERBS — TURKISH-INSPIRED, VEGAN, AND PERFECTLY WRAPPED IN LETTUCE LEAVES
These light, herb-packed patties rolled in crisp lettuce leaves are more than just a vegan dish—they’re a flavorful experience inspired by Turkish street vendors where tourists queue for this irresistible orange-hued delight. Soft potato and bulgur blend with vibrant herbs and spices, offering a fresh and wholesome bite loved from the very first taste.
🕒 Prep Time: 30 min
⏲️ Cooking Time: 20 min
🍽️ Yields: About 25 patties
Ingredients
- 400 g starchy potatoes
- 100 g fine bulgur
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon red pepper paste
- ½ teaspoon Turkish spice mix
- 1 small bunch chives (about 10 g), finely chopped
- ¼ bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 10 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh green lettuce leaves, for serving and wrapping
Instructions
1. Cook the Potatoes
- Peel potatoes, cut into cubes, and boil in salted water until tender, just like for mashed potatoes.
2. Prepare the Bulgur
- While potatoes cook, pour 125 ml boiling water over bulgur with a pinch of salt. Cover and let soak until potatoes are done.
3. Cook the Onion and Spice
- Finely chop onion and sauté gently in olive oil over low heat until very soft.
- Stir in red pepper paste and Turkish spice mix, cooking together for 1 minute.
- Pour the onion mixture over the soaked bulgur and mix well.
4. Mash and Combine
- Drain cooked potatoes and mash thoroughly to a smooth puree.
- Let cool slightly, then mix in the bulgur mixture along with salt to taste. Knead until the mixture turns a uniform orange color and becomes a pliable paste.
- Fold in chopped herbs and knead briefly to combine.
5. Shape Patties
- With wet hands or wearing silicone gloves, take walnut-sized portions and squeeze them into elongated shapes. Don’t worry about perfection—finger marks add character.
6. Serve
- Arrange patties on a platter lined with lettuce leaves.
- Serve by tearing lettuce leaves and rolling the patties inside for fresh, crisp bites.
- These patties taste great fresh and keep well until the next day.
💡 Tips
- Use starchy potatoes for the best mash consistency.
- Adjust Turkish spice mix to your heat preference.
- Chilling the patties briefly before serving can improve their firmness.
🎉 Perfect For
- Light vegan lunches or snacks
- Fresh, healthy appetizers
- Turkish-inspired meals or picnic treats
📝 Final Thoughts
These herbaceous potato and bulgur patties wrapped in crisp lettuce bring authentic Turkish street food flair to your kitchen. Their light texture and fresh herbal aroma make them irresistible, even to non-vegans.