Turkish lentil and bulgur kofta (mercimekli kofte)

Turkish lentil and bulgur patties (mercimekli kofte)
Recipe adapted from here  and there are many other recipes online, it's a very easy customizable recipe 

2 cups red lentils

2½ cups water (or more)

1 cup fine bulgur (cracked wheat) (I used brown, must be the one used in Tabouleh that doesn't require cooking, just a quick soak)

2 garlic cloves finely minced/grated/smashed in mortar and pestle with the spices

1 bunch parsley, finely chopped (I substituted Cilantro) 

1 tsp sweet paprika
1/4 tsp dry mint

1 tbsp Turkish capsicum paste (biber salca)

1 tsp cumin (smoked cumin works nice too!) 

2 tsp salt

1 squeeze lemon, according to taste 

Reserved ingredients: 

1 onion, grated

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp olive oil

Lettuce leaves or greens of your choice for serving (I used Arugala) or a nice small salad works too! 

Boil the red lentils in the water for 15-20 minutes or until soft. Add the bulgur and cover, allowing it to absorb the remaining water.

Add the garlic and parsley and mix through well. Add the other spices and seasonings and adjust seasoning to taste.

Heat olive oil in a pan on medium and sautee with tomato paste and grated onion until nice and caramelized, add to mix. 

Form into cigar-shaped patties and place on freshly washed cos lettuce leaves to serve. The patties can be rolled into the leaves and eaten as a parcel.