Mouthwatering Lebanese Kafta Recipe for Flavorful Feasts Recipe

Introduction

Lebanese Kafta is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with ground meat blended with fresh herbs and spices. Perfectly grilled or pan-fried, these kafta logs bring a delicious Middle Eastern flair to your table. They pair wonderfully with pita bread or rice for a satisfying meal.

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)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (ideal for cooking)
• 1 lemon (for added brightness)
• 4 pieces pita or rice (serve alongside for a wholesome meal)

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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 slightly sticky.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into small logs or patties, about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick. Place on a platter with space between them.
3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C) or heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
4. Step 4: Cook the kafta for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
5. Step 5: Let the kafta rest for a minute before serving with pita, rice, or salad, and optionally drizzle with tahini or yogurt sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Drain grated onion well to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet and difficult to shape.
• Use a combination of beef and lamb for richer flavor, or all beef for a leaner option.
• Serve with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
• Try adding chopped mint or sumac for an extra layer of authenticity and flavor.

Storage

Store cooked kafta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to retain moisture. For longer storage, freeze uncooked shaped kafta for up to 1 month and cook directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to cooking time.

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 with ground chicken or turkey, but keep in mind these meats are leaner and may result in a drier texture. Adding a bit of olive oil or finely chopped vegetables can help maintain moisture.

How do I prevent kafta from falling apart while cooking?

Make sure to mix the ingredients well until the mixture feels slightly sticky, which helps binding. Also, avoid excess moisture by draining grated onion thoroughly and handle the kafta gently when shaping and flipping.

Mouthwatering Lebanese Kafta Recipe for Flavorful Feasts Recipe

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4.5 from 146 reviews

This Mouthwatering Lebanese Kafta recipe features a flavorful blend of ground beef or lamb mixed with fresh herbs and spices, shaped into succulent logs or patties, and grilled to perfection. It’s ideal for a hearty feast served with pita bread or rice, offering a deliciously aromatic and juicy Middle Eastern classic that’s simple to prepare at home.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Lebanese

Ingredients

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Meat Mixture

• 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)

For Cooking and Serving

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (ideal for cooking)
• 1 lemon (for added brightness, to squeeze over)
• 4 pieces Pita or Rice (serve alongside for a wholesome meal)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: 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 becomes slightly sticky, ensuring the flavors meld well.
2. Shape the Kafta: Shape the meat mixture into small logs or patties about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick. Arrange them on a platter with space between each to prevent sticking.
3. Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F or 190°C) or heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering, preparing for cooking the kafta.
4. Cook the Kafta: Place the kafta on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), ensuring they are fully cooked yet juicy.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the cooked kafta rest for a minute to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm with pita bread or rice, garnished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and optionally drizzled with tahini or yogurt sauce for added flavor and creaminess.

Notes

• Drain the grated onion well to prevent excess moisture from making the mixture too wet.
• Adjust garlic and cayenne pepper amounts according to your taste preferences.
• Using a meat thermometer ensures the kafta is cooked safely and to the perfect doneness.
• For extra flavor, you can marinate the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping.
• Serve with fresh salad and yogurts for a complete Lebanese meal experience.

Keywords: Lebanese Kafta, Middle Eastern Meatballs, Grilled Kafta, Ground Beef Recipes, Lamb Recipes, Middle Eastern Cuisine