Description
Lebanese Kafta is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring ground beef or lamb mixed with aromatic spices and herbs, formed into oval-shaped kebabs and grilled to perfection. This quick and easy recipe highlights the rich, savory taste of cumin, cinnamon, and allspice, delivering a delicious meal perfect for any occasion.
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 bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Kebabs: Shape the meat mixture into long, oval-shaped kebabs, making them compact and uniform for even cooking.
- Preheat Grill: Heat a grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, brush the cooking surface with olive oil to prevent sticking and help achieve a nice sear.
- Grill Kafta: Place the kafta on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the meat is browned on the outside and fully cooked through.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled kafta to a serving platter and enjoy with traditional accompaniments such as warm pita bread, hummus, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- You can substitute lamb for beef to add a richer flavor.
- For extra moisture, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the kafta.
- Adjust spice levels according to personal preference by modifying the amount of cinnamon and allspice.
- Leftover kafta can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the taste.
