Armenian Lentil And Bulgur Cakes Recipes

ARMENIAN LENTIL AND BULGUR CAKES

Steps:

• Combine lentils, water and salt in heavy saucepan.
• Bring to boil; simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 min, adding more hot water if needed.
• Add 1/2 cup of the butter and all the bulgur; simmer 2-3 minute Remove from heat and cover; set aside 15 minute.
• In heavy skillet, melt remaining 1/4 cup butter over med heat.
• Add onion and saute until golden brown; stir frequently.
• In large mixing bowl combine sauteed onions with lentil and bulgur mixture.
• Wet hands in warm water and knead mixture until well blended, 2-3 minutes.
• (Wet hands again as needed).
• Add 3 Tbsp each: peppers, green onions, parsley and mint to mixture and mix well.
• Adjust seasonings to taste.
• Keeping hands moistened, form mixture into 1/2" thick patties.
• Arrange on serving dish; sprinkle with reserved sweet pepper, green onions, parsley and mint.
• Season to taste with paprika.
• (If you prefer your kibbee baked, place on oiled baking sheet and place in 375F oven until golden brown-- I never do this so am not sure how long it would take- 10-15 min?).

RED LENTIL AND BULGUR KUFTEH

Steps:

• Combine the lentils and water in a large saucepan, 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 and most but not all of the water is absorbed.
• Place the bulgur in a bowl, mix with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pour in the lentils with their liquid. Stir together, then cover and 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 onion. Cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden and very tender. Stir often. Add the ground cumin and stir together for about 30 seconds, then stir into the lentils and bulgur.
• Moisten your hands with water and knead the mixture in the bowl for 3 to 5 minutes. Each time it begins to stick to your hands, moisten them again, and this will moisten the mixture. If it seems very dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon of water. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 cup of the minced parsley, and 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 and sprinkle with the remaining parsley. Garnish with scallions, romaine lettuce leaves and lemon wedges, and serve, or chill for several hours. Serve cold or at room temperature.