Description
Lebanese Kafta is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made with ground beef or lamb mixed with aromatic spices and herbs, formed into kebabs, and grilled to perfection. It’s a perfect protein-packed meal that pairs wonderfully with pita bread, hummus, or a fresh salad, combining rich savory flavors with a tender, juicy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Grilling
- Olive oil for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the ground meat with the grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper until well combined to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Shape the Kafta: Using your hands, form the meat mixture into long, oval-shaped kebabs, making sure they are compact so they hold together on the grill.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat and lightly brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking and help achieve a nice char.
- Grill the Kafta: Place the kafta kebabs on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully to brown all sides and ensure they are cooked through, with an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).
- Serve: Remove from the grill and serve immediately with warm pita bread, hummus, or your favorite salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Grate the onion finely to help bind the meat and keep the kafta moist.
- If you prefer, you can use lamb for a richer flavor instead of beef.
- Make sure the grill is properly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Adjust spices to taste; some enjoy adding a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Kafta can also be cooked under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Lebanese
