Lebanese Kafta (Beef or Lamb) Recipe

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.

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

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 6 to 10 patties or long, thick fingers. Use skewers if you prefer grilling them on sticks.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

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.

Lebanese Kafta (Beef or Lamb) Recipe

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Lebanese Kafta is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made from lean ground beef or lamb mixed with fresh herbs and traditional Lebanese 7 spice. These spiced meat patties or skewers are either grilled or pan-fried to perfection, then served with sliced tomatoes and accompanied by rice, fresh salad, or wrapped in flatbread. This classic recipe captures the authentic and aromatic taste of Lebanese cuisine in a simple, easy-to-make meal.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 10 kafta patties 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Lebanese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 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

Cooking Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil (only if cooking in skillet)
• 1 large tomato or 2–3 Plum or Roma tomatoes, sliced

Instructions

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or lamb) with the diced yellow onion, chopped parsley, Lebanese 7 spice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Shape the Kafta: Divide the meat mixture into 6 to 10 patties or long, thick finger shapes depending on your preference. You may optionally thread the mixture onto skewers for grilling.
3. Prepare for Cooking: If grilling, clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. If cooking in a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
4. Cook the Kafta: For grilling, place the kafta on the grill over medium heat and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently to ensure even cooking and grill marks on all sides. For skillet cooking, brown the patties on all sides, cooking for about 8-10 minutes until thoroughly cooked.
5. Cook the Tomatoes: Arrange the sliced tomatoes on the grill or in the skillet with the meat during the last few minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Remove the kafta and tomatoes from the heat and serve immediately. Pair with rice, fresh salad, or wrap in lavash or pita bread for a delicious traditional meal.

Notes

• Use finely diced onion to blend smoothly into the mixture for better texture.
• If grilling, turning the kafta frequently helps form a nice crust and cook evenly without drying out.
• Kafta can be served with tahini sauce, garlic yogurt, or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for added flavor.
• Using lean meat helps in keeping the patties firm and less greasy.

Keywords: Lebanese Kafta, Middle Eastern Recipe, Ground Beef Recipe, Grilled Kafta, Lamb Kafta, Lebanese 7 spice, Grilled Meat Patties