Vegan Köfte

Vegan Köfte is a delicious twist on the traditional Turkish meatballs, made with protein-rich lentils and spices, perfect for grilling. This flavorful dish brings the essence of Turkish BBQ to your table, satisfying both vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients

• Red lentils - 150 grams
• Quinoa - 50 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley - 30 grams, chopped
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Tomato paste - 1 tablespoon
• Breadcrumbs - 50 grams
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Rinse the red lentils and quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine them with 500 ml of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until both are cooked and water is absorbed.
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, quinoa, sautéed onions and garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, tomato paste, and lemon juice. Mix well until combined.
4. Gradually add the breadcrumbs to the mixture until it holds together but is not too dry. Form the mixture into small, oval-shaped patties.
5. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the patties with the remaining olive oil and grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and have grill marks.
6. Serve hot with a side of fresh salad, pita bread, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• High in plant-based protein from lentils and quinoa.
• Rich in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.

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