Bodrum Split Red Lentils (Kırık Kırmızı Mercimek) are hulled and split red lentils, sold in a 1 kg clear bag from the Farm Selection range. The supplier's specification lists the product as gluten free. Because the lentils are split and skinless, they cook quickly, usually in around 15 to 20 minutes with no soaking, and soften into a smooth, golden-orange purée.
Red lentils are the base of mercimek çorbası, the classic Turkish lentil soup served in homes and restaurants almost everywhere: simmer them with onion, carrot and potato, blend until velvety, then finish with a squeeze of lemon and a spoonful of paprika butter. They are just as good in lentil balls (mercimek köftesi), stews, dals and curries, vegetable pilafs and thick winter soups. Rinse the lentils in a sieve before cooking and use roughly three parts water or stock to one part lentils as a starting point.
Keep the bag tightly closed in a cool, dry cupboard, and follow the storage guidance printed on the pack. Dried pulses keep well when protected from moisture and pests.