Mouthwatering Lebanese Kafta Recipe for Flavorful Feasts Recipe
This Mouthwatering Lebanese Kafta recipe features seasoned ground beef or lamb mixed with fresh parsley, garlic, and warm spices, grilled or pan-seared to juicy perfection. Perfectly shaped into logs or patties, Kafta makes for a flavorful and tender main dish, ideal for serving with pita bread, rice, or salad, and complemented with tahini or yogurt sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef or Lamb (Can combine both or choose leaner cuts)
- 1 medium Grated Onion (Drain well to avoid excess moisture)
- 1/2 cup Chopped Parsley (Can substitute with cilantro)
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Adjust to taste or use garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin (Essential for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Allspice
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne (Adjust for desired heat level)
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Ideal for cooking)
Serving Ingredients
- 1 lemon (For added brightness)
- 4 pieces Pita or Rice (Serve alongside for a wholesome meal)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with grated onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and spices: cumin, allspice, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mix thoroughly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is slightly sticky, ensuring all flavors are well incorporated.
- Shape Kafta: Shape the mixture into small logs or patties, approximately 4 inches long and 1 inch thick. Arrange them spaced apart on a platter to prevent sticking.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F or 190°C). Alternatively, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Cook Kafta: Place the shaped kafta on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully to brown all sides evenly and cook through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the kafta to rest for a minute after cooking to retain juices. Serve with pita bread, rice, or salad. Optionally, drizzle with tahini or yogurt sauce and squeeze fresh lemon for added brightness.
Notes
- Drain the grated onion well to avoid making the mixture too wet, which can affect texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to desired spice level.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness without overcooking.
- For additional flavor, marinate kafta mixture for 30 minutes before shaping.
- Ground lamb adds a traditional taste, but lean beef is a great alternative for lower fat.
Keywords: Lebanese Kafta, Kafta recipe, grilled meat, Middle Eastern cuisine, ground beef recipes, lamb recipes, kafta patties, easy dinner
