Description
Lebanese Kafta is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with spiced ground meat, shaped into skewers or patties, and grilled to perfection. This flavorful and aromatic recipe is a staple in Lebanese cuisine, perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ground Meat Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 small onion (grated or finely minced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Additional:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Kafta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, chopped parsley, grated onion, minced garlic, allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and paprika if using. Mix well until fully incorporated and slightly sticky.
- Shape the Kafta: Divide the mixture into 6–8 portions and shape each around a skewer or into oval patties if not using skewers, about 1 inch thick.
- Cook the Kafta: If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high and cook skewers for 4–5 minutes per side. If using a skillet or oven, cook for 4–5 minutes per side on medium heat or bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Serve hot with pita bread, hummus, tzatziki or garlic sauce, and a fresh salad.
Notes
- For juicier kafta, use a blend of beef and lamb with some fat content.
- Bake on a wire rack for more even cooking.
- Pair with rice pilaf or tabbouleh for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop, or Baking
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
