Lentils, the main ingredient of Mercimek Köfte, have been cultivated in Turkey for thousands of years, making them a staple food. Lentils were likely introduced to the region by ancient civilizations such as the Hittites and the Assyrians.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe origins of Mercimek Köfte can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, which spanned from the 14th to the early 20th century. During this time, lentils were widely consumed due to their affordability, nutritional value, and versatility. The Ottomans were known for their culinary innovation and created a variety of dishes using lentils, including Mercimek Köfte.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMercimek Köfte gained popularity as a vegetarian dish, providing a protein-rich alternative to meat-based köfte. It was especially favored during times of religious fasting when meat consumption was restricted. The dish became widely enjoyed in Turkey and has since spread to various regions with Turkish influence, as well as Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.