Köfte, a traditional Turkish dish, is typically made with meat. However, this vegan version using lentils is equally delicious and packed with nutrients. Lentil Köfte is not only healthy and satisfying but also easy to make. Paired with a creamy tahini sauce, it’s a perfect meal for anyone looking to enjoy plant-based cuisine.

In this recipe, we transform the classic Köfte into a vegan delight by using lentils as the base. The addition of aromatic spices and fresh herbs ensures that these lentil Köfte are bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into this nutritious and delicious Vegan Lentil Köfte with Tahini Sauce!

Why This Recipe?

This vegan lentil Köfte is a great way to enjoy the flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine while adhering to a plant-based diet. Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making this dish both hearty and healthy. The tahini sauce adds a rich and creamy element, balancing the flavors perfectly.

This Nutritious and Delicious Vegan Lentil Köfte with Tahini Sauce is a wonderful example of how to enjoy traditional flavors in a modern, healthy way. Enjoy!

Ingredients

For the Lentil Köfte:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1/2 cup fine bulgur wheat
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Tahini Sauce:

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup water (more if needed)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Lentil Köfte:

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a large pot, combine the lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are soft and have absorbed most of the water, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Stir in the fine bulgur wheat, cover, and let it sit for 15 minutes until the bulgur is soft and the mixture is thick.
4. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and translucent.
5. Add the tomato paste, red pepper paste (if using), ground cumin, ground paprika, ground black pepper, and ground cinnamon. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine the onion mixture with the lentil and bulgur mixture. Stir in the chopped parsley and mint. Season with salt to taste.
7. Let the mixture cool slightly, then shape it into small, oval-shaped patties.

Preparing the Tahini Sauce:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt.
2. Gradually add water, whisking until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.

Serving:

1. Serve the lentil Köfte on a platter with the tahini sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
2. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
3. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious vegan dish!

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Nutritious and Delicious: Vegan Lentil Köfte with Tahini Sauce

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

A vegan version of traditional Turkish Köfte made with lentils and served with a creamy tahini sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1/2 cup fine bulgur wheat
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup water (more if needed)
• Salt to taste

Instructions 

• Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
• In a large pot, combine the lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are soft and have absorbed most of the water, about 15-20 minutes.
• Stir in the fine bulgur wheat, cover, and let it sit for 15 minutes until the bulgur is soft and the mixture is thick.
• In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and translucent.
• Add the tomato paste, red pepper paste (if using), ground cumin, ground paprika, ground black pepper, and ground cinnamon. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Combine the onion mixture with the lentil and bulgur mixture. Stir in the chopped parsley and mint. Season with salt to taste.
• Let the mixture cool slightly, then shape it into small, oval-shaped patties.
• In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt.
• Gradually add water, whisking until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
• Serve the lentil Köfte on a platter with the tahini sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
• Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
• Enjoy this nutritious and delicious vegan dish!