This Easy Lebanese Kafta is a tasty mix of ground beef or lamb with fresh herbs and spices. It’s quick to make and perfect for grilling or baking, giving you that wonderful Middle Eastern flavor!
Making Kafta is so fun, especially when shaping the patties—you’ll feel like a chef! I love serving it with warm pita and a side of tzatziki. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Lamb: You can use either beef or lamb, or a mix of both for a deeper flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken, though the taste will differ.
Onion: A small onion adds moisture and flavor to the kafta. If you’re short on fresh onion, you can use onion powder, about 1 teaspoon, instead.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and mint give kafta its signature taste. If you don’t have mint, just double the parsley or use a little dried mint. Fresh is always better, but dried works in a pinch.
Spices: Allspice and cinnamon are key for that warm flavor profile. You can substitute allspice with a mix of nutmeg and cloves or simply leave it out if you prefer a lighter taste.
Olive Oil: This is for brushing the skewers before grilling. You can also use canola or avocado oil if you want something milder.
How Do You Shape Kafta Properly?
Shaping kafta might seem tricky at first, but it’s quite straightforward! The key is to keep your hands wet while forming the patties; this prevents sticking and helps you create a smooth shape.
- After mixing the meat, divide it into eight equal parts.
- Wet your hands with a little water to keep the mixture from sticking.
- Take one portion and mold it onto the skewer, pinching and rolling to form an oval shape that sticks to the skewer well.
- Press firmly, but not too hard, to ensure they hold together during cooking!
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be shaping kafta like a pro and impressing everyone with your skills! Enjoy the process and have fun.”
Easy Lebanese Kafta Recipe with Beef or Lamb
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kafta:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground lamb (or a mix)
- 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- Wooden or metal skewers (if grilling)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
To Serve:
- Hummus
- Sliced cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Sliced red onions
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges (optional)
- Warm pita bread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 10 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes to create this delightful Lebanese kafta perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the grated onion, parsley, mint (if using), minced garlic, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined and feels slightly sticky. This helps the mixture hold together when shaped.
2. Shape the Kafta:
Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. With wet hands (this prevents sticking), shape each portion around a skewer into a long, oval shape, about 4-5 inches long. Make sure to press it firmly so it adheres well to the skewer. This will help them cook evenly.
3. Preheat and Prepare for Grilling:
Preheat your grill, grill pan, or broiler over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, lightly brush the kafta skewers with olive oil to enhance their flavor and make them nice and crispy when grilled.
4. Grill the Kafta:
Once heated, grill the kafta skewers for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully to ensure they brown nicely and cook through. You’ll know they’re done when they are browned and firm to touch.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Arrange the grilled kafta skewers beautifully on a serving plate over a bed of hummus. Add a colorful assortment of sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices. Finish with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
6. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your delicious kafta with warm pita bread and lemon wedges on the side, which you can squeeze over the kafta for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy every bite of this wonderful dish with family and friends!
This kafta is not only easy to make but is filled with rich flavors that everyone will love. It’s perfect for BBQs or simply a cozy dinner at home. Happy cooking!
FAQ About Easy Lebanese Kafta Recipe
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Lamb?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option, but keep in mind that it has a milder flavor. You may want to increase the spices slightly to compensate for the change in taste.
Can I Prepare the Kafta Mixture in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the kafta mixture up to a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate it until you’re ready to shape and grill the skewers. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kafta?
Store any leftover kafta skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet or microwave. You can also reheat them on the grill for a few minutes to make them crispy again.
Can I Bake the Kafta Instead of Grilling?
Definitely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the kafta skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are nicely cooked and browned. This is a great option if you don’t have a grill!
