Name: Lebanese Kafta (Beef or Lamb) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground lamb); 1 cup yellow onion, diced; 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped; 2 tsp Lebanese 7 spice; 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil (only if cooking in skillet); 1 large tomato or 2-3 Plum or Roma tomatoes, sliced

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Introduction

Lebanese Kafta is a flavorful and aromatic dish made from ground beef or lamb blended with fresh herbs and spices. These spiced patties or skewers are perfect for grilling or pan-frying and make a delicious centerpiece for any meal.

A white plate holds a dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is long-grain white rice mixed with some toasted small brown noodles, sprinkled with chopped green herbs; on top of the rice, four grilled meat kebabs, each dark brown with charred marks and bits of herbs, arranged neatly; the top layer includes four large slices of grilled tomato, bright red with dark grill lines and bits of green herbs scattered over them. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef (or ground lamb)
1 cup yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
2 tsp Lebanese 7 spice
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (only if cooking in skillet)
1 large tomato or 2-3 Plum or Roma tomatoes, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, chopped parsley, Lebanese 7 spice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well blended.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into 6 to 10 patties or long, thick fingers. Use skewers if you prefer grilling them on sticks.
Step 3: If grilling, clean and oil the grill. Cook the kafta over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning regularly to develop grill marks on all sides. If cooking in a skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and brown the kafta on all sides over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Optionally, place the sliced tomatoes on the grill or skillet alongside the kafta. Cook for a few minutes until slightly softened, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve the kafta immediately with rice, a fresh salad, or wrapped in lavash (flatbread) or khubz (pita) for a traditional Lebanese experience.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the meat mixture for a warmer spice profile.
Serve with a side of yogurt or tahini sauce for a creamy contrast.

Storage

Store leftover kafta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving as it can dry them out.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a meal with three grilled kofta kebabs, dark brown with visible herbs and spices, placed on top of a bed of white rice mixed with small brown toasted pine nuts and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Behind the kebabs, there are two halves of grilled tomatoes, bright red with a slightly charred texture and green herb garnish. The scene is set on a white marbled textured surface with a blurred blue glass and beige cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef or lamb?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey, but keep in mind these meats are leaner and may require adding a little olive oil to keep the kafta moist during cooking.

What is Lebanese 7 spice?

Lebanese 7 spice is a blend of warm spices including allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, black pepper, white pepper, and cumin. It creates the distinctive aromatic flavor typical of many Lebanese dishes.