Description
Lebanese Kafta is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made from seasoned ground beef or lamb mixed with fragrant spices and herbs. Shaped into elongated kebabs, these delights are grilled to perfection, offering a deliciously smoky and tender bite. Perfect for a quick, savory meal served alongside pita bread, hummus, or fresh salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Others
- Olive oil for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to form a homogeneous mixture.
- Shape the kebabs: With clean hands, mold the meat mixture into long, oval-shaped kebabs, ensuring they are compact to prevent falling apart on the grill.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium heat and lightly brush the surface with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Grill the kafta: Place the shaped kebabs onto the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. Grill until they develop a nice brown crust and are cooked through to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- Serve warm: Remove the kafta from the grill and serve immediately with accompaniments such as warm pita bread, creamy hummus, or a fresh salad of your choice.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb with beef for a leaner version.
- Soaking the skewers in water for 30 minutes before shaping the meat can prevent burning if using wooden skewers.
- For additional flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes.
- Make sure the grill is adequately preheated to avoid sticking.
- Leftover kafta can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the grill or stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
