Equipment
Mixing bowls
food processor or blender
Skewers (if grilling)
Baking sheet or grill pan Spatula
Ingredients
1 cup cooked chickpeas drained and rinsed
1 cup cooked lentils drained and rinsed
1 onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon paprika Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked chickpeas, lentils, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture. Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and add the breadcrumbs. Mix well until the mixture is firm and holds together. Shape the mixture into small, cylindrical kofta patties. If grilling, thread the patties onto skewers. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking, or preheat a grill pan if grilling. If baking, place the kofta patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake the kofta in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. If grilling, cook the kofta on the preheated grill pan for about 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the kofta from the oven or grill pan and let them cool slightly. Serve the kofta hot with lemon wedges on the side. They can be enjoyed on their own as an appetizer or served with pita bread, tahini sauce, or a side salad.