How to make Mercimekli Köfte Tabağı

Why cooks start here

Mercimekli Köfte Tabağı is cooked the way Gaziantep cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a turkish family cook actually puts it on the table.

Mercimekli Köfte Tabağı is a beloved Turkish dish, originating from Gaziantep, where it's crafted with a generous hand for sharing among friends and family. This home-style version captures the essence of how a Turkish family cook would prepare it, with red lentils and bulgur forming the base, enriched by pepper paste and seasoned with scallions and lettuce leaves. The dish is enjoyed across Turkey, known for its hearty and satisfying taste. The combination of lentils and bulgur creates a texture that's both soft and slightly chewy, while the pepper paste adds a gentle heat. Fine sea salt and black pepper are used to taste, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced.