Best Armenian Lentil And Bulgur Cakes Recipes

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ARMENIAN LENTIL AND BULGUR CAKES



Armenian Lentil and Bulgur Cakes image

A vegetarian kibbee from The Cuisine of Armenia. Great with cucumber and tomato salad, tzatziki, pita, rice pilaf, etc. I leave the red/green pepper per family preferences.

Provided by winkki

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup dried lentils
3 cups water
1 dash salt
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup bulgur, fine grade
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup green peppers or 1/4 cup red pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped (white part and 2 inch of green part)
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup of fresh mint, finely chopped
1 dash paprika

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?).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 583.8, Fat 35.5, SaturatedFat 22, Cholesterol 91.5, Sodium 300.7, Carbohydrate 53.2, Fiber 20.7, Sugar 2.7, Protein 16.7

EECH (ARMENIAN BULGUR SIDE DISH)



Eech (Armenian Bulgur Side Dish) image

A tangy, savory Armenian side dish that can be served warm, room temperature or cold. I first tried it at St. Mary's Armenian Church in Florida at their food fest and became instantly hooked. It is a mixture of bulgur (cracked wheat), onions, tomatoes, peppers and parsley.

Provided by mommycook

Categories     Grains

Time 55m

Yield 1/2 cup servings, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 large onion
1/2 red pepper
1/2 green pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 lemons
1 heaping tablespoon paprika
salt and pepper
1 cup fine bulgur
1/2 cup chopped parsley

Steps:

  • Chop onion and peppers into a small dice or pulse them in a food processor.
  • Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium heat and add diced vegetables.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and saute 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Add can of tomato sauce, tomato paste and the juice of the 2 lemons. Fill the tomato can with water and add that to the pan.
  • Bring to a boil and add paprika, salt and pepper.
  • Add the bulgur, remove from heat, cover the pan and let sit until liquid is absorbed and bulgur is tender (about 1/2 hour).
  • Stir in chopped parsley.
  • Can be eaten immediately, within a couple hours, or refrigerate and eat later.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 116.7, Fat 3.8, SaturatedFat 0.5, Sodium 188.1, Carbohydrate 19.7, Fiber 4.9, Sugar 3.5, Protein 3.3

ARMENIAN PILAF



Armenian Pilaf image

"My grandfather was born in Armenia in the mid-1800's" Susan Lederer relates from her home in Fallon, Nevada. "This pilaf recipe is adapted from one he brought to this country. At our house, it's a standard with shish kabobs and chicken dishes.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup bulgur
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/2 cup uncooked broken vermicelli (1-inch pieces)
2 tablespoons butter
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
1/3 cup water
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Steps:

  • In a large nonstick skillet, saute the onion, bulgur, rice and vermicelli in butter for 6-7 minutes or until golden brown. Add the broth, water and oregano; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Nutrition Facts :

RED LENTIL AND BULGUR KUFTEH



Red Lentil and Bulgur Kufteh image

I adapted this from an Armenian recipe that I found on the back of my packet of red lentils. Kufteh (Persian), köfte (Turkish), and kibbeh (Arabic) are round walnut size patties usually made from pounded meat (the word means "pounded") but sometimes made with fish or vegetable pulp, mixed with fine bulgur, herbs, and spices. Serve this vegetarian version as an appetizer or a side dish.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Time 1h30m

Yield about 30 kufteh, serving 6 to 8 as an hors d'oeuvre.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup red lentils, rinsed
2 cups water
Salt to taste
1/2 cup fine or medium (#1 of #2) bulgur
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 large or medium onion, finely minced
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and ground
1/2 bunch flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
Aleppo pepper to taste (optional)
Scallions, small romaine lettuce leaves, and lemon wedges for garnish

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.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 122, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 5 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 223 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram

Armenian cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors and ingredients, combining influences from the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Lentil and bulgur cakes are a staple in Armenian cuisine, and are often made during the fasting or lenten period. These cakes are a delicious and healthy alternative to meat-based dishes, and are enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Ingredients

The ingredients for Armenian lentil and bulgur cakes vary depending on the recipe and the cook's preference. However, some of the key ingredients include:
Lentils
Lentils are a major component of these cakes, and provide a great source of protein and fiber. They can be either green or brown lentils, and are typically cooked with water or broth until they are tender.
Bulgur
Bulgur is a cracked wheat product that is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It is a good source of fiber, protein, and B vitamins. Bulgur is usually soaked in water or broth until it softens, then combined with the lentils and other ingredients.
Onion and Garlic
Onions and garlic are fundamental ingredients in Armenian cuisine, and are used to add flavor and depth to the lentil and bulgur cakes.
Herbs and Spices
Different herbs and spices can be used to enhance the flavor of the cakes, such as cumin, coriander, parsley, mint, and thyme. Some recipes also feature a hint of allspice or cinnamon.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a primary source of fat in these cakes, and is used to bind the ingredients together.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are added to the mixture to help thicken the cakes and provide some texture.

Preparation

The preparation process for Armenian lentil and bulgur cakes can be divided into several steps:
Cooking the Lentils and Bulgur
The first step is to cook the lentils and bulgur. Both ingredients are usually simmered with water or broth until they become tender and fully cooked.
Sautéing the Onions and Garlic
While the lentils and bulgur are cooking, the onions and garlic are sautéed in olive oil until they become soft and translucent. This step enhances the flavor of the cakes and helps bind the ingredients together.
Addition of Herbs and Spices
The cooked lentils and bulgur are combined with the sautéed onions and garlic, and the herbs and spices are added to the mixture. The ingredients are typically mixed together until they are fully combined and evenly distributed.
Mixing the Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are added to the mixture to help thicken the cakes and provide texture. The ingredients are mixed together until the mixture becomes firm and easy to handle.
Forming the Cakes
The mixture is then formed into small cakes or patties, which are typically about 2 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. The cakes can be laid out on a baking sheet and chilled in the refrigerator to help them hold their shape.
Frying or Baking the Cakes
The cakes are typically fried or baked in the oven until they become golden brown and crisp on the outside. They can be served hot or cold, and are often accompanied by a salad or tzatziki sauce.

Conclusion

Armenian lentil and bulgur cakes are a delicious and nutritious alternative to meat-based dishes. They are easy to make, and can be enjoyed by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and healthy meal that is sure to satisfy.
Armenian lentil and bulgur cakes are one of the most versatile and delicious vegetarian dishes out there. They are jam-packed with aromatic spices and lots of flavor, making them an excellent option for anyone looking to add a healthy, meat-free protein to their diet. If you're thinking of making Armenian lentil and bulgur cakes, there are a few valuable tips you should keep in mind. These tips will help you make the best possible version of this dish and ensure that your guests are delighted with the result.

Tip #1: Soak your lentils and bulgur in advance

Before you get started making your Armenian lentil and bulgur cakes, it's crucial to soak your lentils and bulgur in advance. This helps to soften them and makes them more digestible. Place your lentils and bulgur in separate bowls and cover them with water. Leave them to soak for at least 2-3 hours before cooking to ensure that they are fully hydrated.

Tip #2: Use the right spices

Armenian lentil and bulgur cakes are all about the spices. The right combination of aromatic spices will take this dish to the next level, so don't be afraid to experiment. Some of the key spices you should consider using include cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon. You can also add some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to give the dish a bright, fresh flavor.

Tip #3: Use a food processor

To make your Armenian lentil and bulgur cakes, you'll need to blend your lentils and bulgur into a fine paste. This is where a food processor comes in handy. Simply toss your lentils and bulgur into the food processor and process until they are smooth and well combined. If you don't have a food processor, you can also use a blender or a hand-held immersion blender.

Tip #4: Add some texture

While the smooth texture of the lentil and bulgur paste is essential, it's also important to add some texture to the dish. This can be achieved by mixing in some chopped vegetables or nuts. Some great options for adding texture include chopped carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or even some walnuts or almonds. These ingredients will not only add texture but also boost the overall flavor of the dish.

Tip #5: Use a non-stick pan

When it comes to cooking your Armenian lentil and bulgur cakes, using a non-stick pan is essential. This will prevent the cakes from sticking to the pan and will allow you to cook them perfectly. If you don't have a non-stick pan, you can also use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. Just be sure to coat the skillet with a thin layer of oil before cooking your cakes.

Tip #6: Let the cakes cook completely

One of the most common mistakes people make when cooking Armenian lentil and bulgur cakes is not letting them cook completely. The cakes need to be cooked all the way through to ensure that they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Be patient and let the cakes cook for at least five minutes on each side. You want the cakes to be golden brown on the outside and cooked all the way through on the inside.

Tip #7: Serve with a flavorful sauce

Finally, no Armenian lentil and bulgur cake is complete without a flavorful sauce. There are tons of delicious sauce options to choose from, but some of the best include tzatziki sauce, tahini sauce, or a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. The sauce not only adds flavor to the dish but also helps to keep the cakes moist and tender. Drizzle the sauce over the top of the cakes or serve it on the side for dipping.

Conclusion

The tips above will help you create the perfect Armenian lentil and bulgur cakes every time. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these tips will help you make a dish that is sure to impress. Remember to soak your lentils and bulgur in advance, use the right spices, add some texture, cook the cakes completely, and serve with a flavorful sauce.

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