Vegetarian > Turkish Köftes

Vegetarian Köfte Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- Food processor

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas and lentils until they are coarsely mashed.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the mashed chickpeas and lentils, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, mint, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Use your hands to form the mixture into small balls or patties.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the köfte to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- Makes about 12 köfte

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cooked beans instead of chickpeas and lentils.
- You can use any type of herbs instead of parsley, mint, and cilantro.

Variations:
- You can add grated carrots or zucchini to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- You can serve the köfte with a yogurt sauce or tahini sauce.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to mash the chickpeas and lentils well so that the köfte hold together.
- You can refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before forming the köfte to make it easier to handle.
- You can freeze the köfte for later use.

Storage instructions:
- Store the köfte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the köfte in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the köfte on a platter with a yogurt sauce or tahini sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges.

Pairings:
- Serve the köfte with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Hummus and pita bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the köfte are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the köfte to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Köfte is a traditional Turkish dish made with ground meat and spices. This vegetarian version uses chickpeas and lentils instead of meat.

Flavor profiles:
- The köfte are savory and flavorful with a hint of spice from the cumin and coriander.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the köfte as an appetizer or main dish.

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Region: Turkish

Taste: Savory, Herby, Spicy, Nutty, Earthy