Mouthwatering Lebanese Kafta Recipe for Flavorful Feasts Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
