Description
This authentic Lebanese Kafta recipe features seasoned ground beef or lamb blended with fresh parsley and aromatic Lebanese 7 spice, shaped into patties or kebabs, and cooked to perfection by grilling or pan-frying. A popular Middle Eastern dish, Kafta is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal served with grilled tomatoes, rice, or flatbread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lebanese 7 spice blend
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or frying)
Optional
- Sliced tomatoes for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, finely grated onion (with excess liquid squeezed out), chopped fresh parsley, Lebanese 7 spice blend, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Shape the Kafta: Divide the meat mixture into equal portions. Shape each portion into oval-shaped patties or mold them around skewers to form kebabs, pressing firmly so they hold together well during cooking.
- Cook the Kafta (Grilling): Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the kafta with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place them on the grill and cook for approximately 5 minutes per side until the meat is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
- Cook the Kafta (Pan-Frying): Alternatively, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kafta patties or kebabs and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until nicely browned and cooked through.
- Optional – Grill Tomatoes: If desired, lay sliced tomatoes on the grill alongside the kafta during the last few minutes of cooking. Grill the tomatoes until they become slightly charred and softened, adding a smoky flavor that complements the meat.
- Serve: Serve the kafta hot with sides such as rice, fresh salad, or wrapped in flatbread. Include grilled tomatoes for added taste and presentation, enjoying the full Lebanese authentic experience.
Notes
- Grate the onion finely and squeeze out excess water to prevent the kafta from becoming too wet and falling apart.
- You can use either ground beef or lamb; lamb adds richer flavor, while beef is milder and leaner.
- The Lebanese 7 spice blend typically includes a combination of allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, coriander, and cumin.
- For kebabs, soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Adjust cooking times slightly depending on the thickness of the patties or kebabs to ensure thorough cooking.
- Serve with tahini sauce or garlic sauce for extra flavor if desired.
