Turkish Lentil Recipe (Mercimek)

• 1 cup green lentils
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 onion small, Diced
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups water
• salt
• pepper
• crusty bread for dipping, Optional

1. Soak the dry green lentils for at least 30 minutes. Drain.
2. In a dutch oven, add 1 T. butter.
3. Once the butter melts, add the diced onions. Cook until translucent.
4. Add the ground beef, cook until browned.
5. Add 2 T. of tomato paste, mix with the ground beef mixture.
6. Season with Salt and Pepper.
7. Add the green lentils.
8. Add the water; please note that the consistency should be like a stew rather than a soup. Monitor the water level during cooking. If you notice that it is turning out to be like a paste, then add more water.
9. Cook until lentils are soft, about 35-40 minutes.
10. To serve: Eat as a stew with crusty bread, or put the lentils on top of Turkish rice with fideos.

green lentils, ground beef, onion, butter, tomato paste, water, salt, pepper, crusty bread

Taken from www.yummly.com/recipe/Turkish-Lentil-Recipe-_Mercimek_-1676672 (may not work)