Persian Lentil & Vegetable Kookoo (Kuku Sabzi)

Persian Lentil & Vegetable Kookoo (Kuku Sabzi)

Serves: 4 

Ingredients

• 2 cups green or brown lentils, soaked and cooked

• 2 carrots, grated or finely chopped

• 1 potato, boiled and mashed

• 1 onion, finely grated

• Salt, to taste

• Red pepper flakes and cumin, to taste

• 1 egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs or dried breadcrumbs

• 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Soak the lentils in salted water, then cook with the carrot and potato in fresh water until fully tender. Drain well and let cool.

2. Mash the cooked lentils, carrot, and potato together until mostly smooth with some texture.

3. Add the grated onion, salt, red pepper flakes, cumin, egg, breadcrumbs, and chopped parsley. Mix everything well until fully combined.

4. Shape the mixture into round patties or oval cutlet shapes.

5. Refrigerate for 1 hour — this helps them hold together when frying.

6. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the patties for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply golden and crispy.

7. Drain on paper towel and serve warm.

Served with flatbread, yogurt, or a simple salad.

Nutrition (per patty, est.): ~145 cal | 8g protein | 4g fat | 20g carbs | 5g fibre