Lebanese Kafta is a tasty meat dish made from ground beef or lamb mixed with herbs and spices. It’s shaped into long patties and grilled, giving it a delicious smoky flavor!
These yummy little meat logs are great served with pita bread and fresh veggies. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra because they disappear fast—everyone loves them! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Lamb: You can use either beef, lamb, or a combination of both for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works well too, but it may alter the taste slightly.
Onion: For the best results, go for yellow or white onions since they blend well into the meat. If you’re in a pinch, shallots can be used too for a milder flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for a robust flavor. If you only have garlic powder, use about 1/4 teaspoon as a substitute, but fresh is always best!
Spices: The blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and allspice gives kafta its distinctive taste. If you’re missing any, don’t hesitate to adjust or use your favorite spice mix like curry powder for a twist.
How Do I Get the Kafta to Hold Together on the Skewers?
Shaping the kafta around the skewers can be tricky, but here are some tips! When mixing your ingredients, make sure they’re well combined. The moisture from the onion and parsley helps bind everything together.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions for uniform cooking.
- Press the meat mixture firmly onto the skewer, ensuring it’s tightly packed.
- If it feels loose, try adding a small amount of breadcrumbs or a beaten egg to help bind it.
- Brush the skewers with olive oil before grilling to prevent sticking.
How to Make Delicious Lebanese Kafta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kafta:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
- Wooden or metal skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to marinate, plus around 16 minutes for grilling. In total, you should plan for about 56 minutes to enjoy these tasty kafta skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef or lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. It’s important to make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
2. Marinating the Mixture:
Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is great because it allows the flavors to blend, making your kafta even tastier!
3. Preparing to Grill:
While the meat is marinating, you can prepare your grill or grill pan. Preheat it to medium-high heat. If you are using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
4. Shaping the Skewers:
After the marinating time, take the meat mixture out of the fridge. Divide it into equal portions—about the size of a golf ball. Take each portion and shape it around the skewers, pressing firmly so it sticks well. Make sure they’re evenly shaped for even cooking!
5. Grilling the Kafta:
Before grilling, lightly brush the skewers with olive oil to help prevent sticking and add extra flavor. Place the skewers on the grill and cook them for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You’re looking for them to be cooked through and have lovely grill marks.
6. Serving the Kafta:
Once cooked, take the kafta off the grill and serve them hot! They’re wonderful with pita bread, a side of hummus, fresh chopped vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, and, if you like, a sprinkle of feta cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious Lebanese Kafta!
Can I Use Ground Chicken or Turkey Instead of Beef or Lamb?
Yes, you can use ground chicken or turkey! Just keep in mind that these meats have less fat than beef or lamb, so the kafta may be a bit drier. To help with moisture, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil or a small amount of yogurt to the meat mixture.
How Do I Store Leftover Kafta?
Store any leftover kafta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each skewer in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating on the grill or in a skillet.
Can I Make the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to cover it well to maintain freshness. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before shaping and grilling to ensure even cooking.
What Can I Serve with Kafta Besides Pita Bread?
Kafta pairs wonderfully with several sides! You can serve it with rice pilaf, tabbouleh salad, or grilled vegetables. For a touch of creaminess, tzatziki sauce or yogurt on the side works well too!
