Middle Eastern Lentil Kofta Bowl By Sy Recipes

RED LENTIL KOFTA WITH SPINACH

Steps:

• Combine the red lentils, onion, garlic and water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam, reduce the heat, add salt to taste and simmer 30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft. Remove the onion half. Add the spinach and simmer for another minute, until it is wilted. Taste and adjust salt.
• Stir the bulgur into the pot, turn off the heat and cover. Let sit for 30 minutes, until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
• Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-low heat and add the ground cumin and allspice. Stir for about 15 seconds, until fragrant, then stir into the lentil/bulgur/spinach mixture. Allow to cool, in the refrigerator if you're leaving for more than an hour.
• Moisten your hands with water and knead the mixture in the bowl for 3 to 5 minutes, or stir with a rubber spatula. Each time it begins to stick to your hands, moisten them again. For a spicier mixture, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper. Taste and adjust salt.
• Moisten your hands and shape the mixture into walnut-size balls (about 1 inch). You'll have to moisten your hands again whenever the mixture begins to stick to them. Place on a platter, garnish with scallions, radishes, romaine lettuce leaves and lemon wedges, and serve, or chill for several hours. Serve cold or at room temperature.

MIDDLE EASTERN LENTIL & KOFTA BOWL BY SY

Steps:

• Mix the kofta ingredients and set aside.
• Put stock in a pot (non-stick Teflon) and after heated add; peas (lentils), celery, onion, tomato paste and let simmer for about 30+ minutes, with the cover on.
• Stirring occasionally.
• When the lentils are three quarters done, reserve about 1/2 cup for later use.
• Remove pot from stove and puree the soup, then back on the stove.
• After the soup is reduced somewhat, add; Semneh Seasonings and puree again.
• Let soup simmer for about 15 minutes, stir often (and make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot).
• When you have a real thick soup add the 1/2 cup reserved lentils and cook for one minutes more.
• The soup should be thick which will allow the koftas, zucchini and red peppers to float on top when added.
• While the soup is cooking, make the koftas.
• Form about 12-16 small flat kofta patties and fry with a little oil (or grilled).
• Make sure that the ground poultry is thoroughly cooked, flatten them with a spatula.
• Put the zucchini and chopped red pepper into a big bowl, add the butter and then into the microwave for about 1 minutes.
• Do not over cook!
• Add the thick lentil soup to each bowl.
• Make a nice looking design around the bowl by placing 2- koftas, 3 slices of zucchini and garnish with red peppers.
• Enjoy, with pita bread and accompanied with hot chili sauce, yogurt sauce, mint sauce, sour cream, sour pickles/vegetables, lemon wedges on the side.

JACOB'S MIDDLE EASTERN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Rinse lentils, discarding and stones, or blemished lentils; drain.
• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until hot.
• Add onion and bell pepper, cook and stir 5 minutes or until tender.
• Add cumin and ground red pepper and stir 1 minute.
• Pour in the 4 cups of water and the lentils. Bring to a boil and Reduce heat to low.
• Cover and simmer 20 minutes.
• Stir in salt and simmer 10 minutes more or until lentils are tender.
• Stir in lemon juice and serve.

MIDDLE EASTERN LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• Place the lentils in a medium saucepan, cover by 1 inch with water and bring to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt, reduce the heat and cook just until the lentils are al dente, about 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and the garlic in a small frying pan or saucepan over medium heat. When the garlic begins to sizzle, add the spices. Stir together for about 30 seconds, then remove from the heat and set aside.
• When the lentils are just tender, drain through a strainer set over a bowl. Toss at once in another bowl with the garlic, spices, cilantro and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt. If the lentils seem a little dry, add a few tablespoons of the broth. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top and serve warm or at room temperature.