Description
Lebanese Kafta features juicy, herb-infused patties made from ground beef or lamb blended with fresh parsley, garlic, and warm spices. This flavorful Middle Eastern dish is grilled or pan-seared to perfection and traditionally served with pita bread or rice, making it a hearty and aromatic meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Lamb (Can mix both for richer flavor or substitute with lean ground turkey/chicken.)
- 1 medium Grated Onion (Drain well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the mixture.)
- 1 cup Chopped Parsley (Cilantro can be used as a substitute.)
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Adjust quantity based on preference or use garlic powder.)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Allspice
- 1 tsp Salt (Essential for enhancing flavor.)
- 1/2 tsp Pepper (Adjust to preference.)
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne (Optional for added heat.)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Ideal for cooking.)
- 1 medium Lemon (For added brightness.)
- 4 pieces Pita or Rice (Delicious side for the kafta meal.)
Instructions
- Preparation: Prepare all the ingredients by grating the onion and chopping the parsley finely. Mince the garlic cloves and set everything aside to streamline the mixing process.
- Mix the Meat Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the grated onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, cumin, allspice, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky, which indicates it’s well combined and will hold together during cooking.
- Shape the Kafta: Form the meat mixture into logs or patties roughly 4 inches long and 1 inch thick. Arrange them neatly on a platter ready for cooking to ensure even grilling or searing.
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Preheat your grill to medium-high, about 375°F (190°C), or heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear and locking in the juices.
- Cook the Kafta: Grill or pan-sear the kafta logs or patties for 4-5 minutes on each side. They should be nicely browned and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) to ensure they are fully cooked but remain juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the kafta to rest for a minute to let the juices redistribute. Serve hot with warm pita bread or rice. For added freshness and flavor, squeeze lemon over the kafta and consider pairing with tahini sauce or yogurt-based dressings.
Notes
- Drain the grated onion well to prevent excess moisture which can make the patties fall apart or steam instead of sear.
- You can substitute ground lamb with ground beef, turkey, or chicken depending on dietary preferences.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat tolerance or omit it for a milder flavor.
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped cilantro as a substitute or in addition to parsley.
- Ensure the grill or skillet is properly preheated to achieve a flavorful crust on the kafta.
- Internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) is recommended to ensure safety when cooking ground meats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Keywords: Lebanese Kafta, Middle Eastern Recipe, Grilled Kafta, Ground Beef Patties, Herb-Infused Meat, Kafta with Parsley, Grilled Meat Skewers
