Chunky Vegan Red Lentil Kofte (Vospov Kofte)

This yummy Middle Eastern vegan appetizer is filled with red lentils, bulgur, fresh herbs, sauteed onions, spices of cumin, paprika, and a zest of citrus flavor! The perfect balance to this dish is dunking your kofte in some olive oil and some spice and it hits the spot every time! What makes this recipe different from the rest is, its unique texture and the amount of time spent to make it! Originally, Lentil Kofte is kneaded for a long period to form a paste-like texture. I created mine into a chunky version (not pureed). Not only does it taste different, but it also cuts the preparation time by half! It gives you more time to endure and enjoy!

This high-packed protein dish is perfect for a snack, lunch, or even as a main dish! Being Armenian with a Middle Eastern background, this dish was a must on the table at every event! We would call this Karnir Vospov Kofte which translates to: Red Lentil Balls.

I usually bring this dish as an appetizer to a party. It always tends to stir up the conversation from its unique look and presentation and most importantly its taste! It’s the highlight of the party! Once I was invited to a friend’s pot-luck and brought this dish, not only did it make an impression on its unique looks but it was the talk of the party on how tasty it was and it was gone in just minutes!

---

This post contains referral links to products we have used or similar to the items used in this recipe. Galore Of Flavors earns a small commission on these links at no cost. You can find more products like these on our “Shop My Favorites” on our homepage! ♡

---

IN THIS POST: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT CHUNKY LENTIL KOFTE

• WHAT IS LENTIL KOFTE & WHAT MAKES THIS RECIPE DIFFERENT FROM THE REST?
• 🍴INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS CHUNKY LENTIL KOFTE RECIPE!
• STEPS TO MAKE THIS CHUNKY LENTIL KOFTE
• PREFER TO WATCH STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE VIDEO INSTEAD OF READING?
• JUMP TO RECIPE CARD

---

WHAT IS LENTIL KOFTE?

Lentil kofte is usually served as a paste and formed into a small finger-printed cone-shaped kofte. They usually knead both bulgur and lentil over a grader or a ridged pattern until it forms a paste-like texture.

WHAT MAKES THIS RECIPE DIFFERENT FROM THE REST?

Its texture! 😋

My chunky version is kneaded lightly and slightly mashed together to form a cone-shaped kofte. This version takes less time to prepare and is equally delicious! I prefer it this way! Something about a mushy texture just doesn’t do it for me! But you can choose to make it the way you prefer. 🥰

---

Shop Items from this Recipe!

🍴INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS CHUNKY LENTIL KOFTE RECIPE!

Here is a preview of the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe! You can find these at your local grocery store or you can shop online. (Detailed Ingredients in Recipe Card down below)

• Red Lentils
• #1 Bulgur
• Onions
• Parsley
• Garlic
• Green Onions
• Water
• Olive Oil
• Mild Pepper Paste
• Tomato Paste
• Lime
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Allepo Pepper – as a topping or dunking while serving.

STEPS TO MAKE THIS CHUNKY LENTIL KOFTE

Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine rinsed lentils, and 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have softened and have absorbed most of the water. Remove, strain, and squeeze any extra water that hasn’t been absorbed from lentils, and disregard.

Step 2: In a skillet, heat oil and add onions. Saute for 2 minutes on high fire until slightly browning starts. Mix in green onions and garlic and saute for another 2 minutes on medium fire.

Step 3: Add tomato paste, pepper paste, cumin, salt, and pepper combine on medium heat and cook for another minute. Combine cooked lentils and bulgur with your onion mixture and cover for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Add lemon juice, paprika, and parsley and combine. Cover and allow this to rest for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Dampen your hands with cold water and form the mixture into a cylindrical Kofte shape. Once your Kofte platter has been designed, place it into the fridge and allow it to chill for an hour before serving. Serve with olive oil and Aleppo pepper or with some lettuce leaves and enjoy!

PREFER TO WATCH STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE VIDEO INSTEAD OF READING?

Have any questions about this recipe or have you tried making our recipe yet? If so, we would LOVE to hear how it turned out! You can post, tag, rate, and comment down below and on Instagram! 👇 Thank you in advance! 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sylvia Avakian (@galore_of_flavors)

RECIPE CARD

Print