If you’re craving a dish that bursts with Middle Eastern flavors, juicy texture, and a delightful mix of spices, then let me introduce you to the amazing Kafta Kebabs Recipe. These grilled meat skewers bring together tender ground beef, fresh herbs, and a tantalizing spice blend that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or a festive get-together, this recipe is sure to win hearts with its simplicity and incredible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is the key to making perfect Kafta Kebabs, and fortunately, this recipe calls for simple but powerful components that work beautifully together. Each one adds a unique touch, from fresh greenery to fragrant spices, creating that irresistible flavor and texture.
- Yellow onion: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that keeps the kebabs juicy and flavorful.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a bright, herbaceous note and gorgeous color to the meat mixture.
- Lean ground beef: The main protein, providing richness without too much fat for tender kebabs.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors making every bite savory and balanced.
- Black pepper: Offers a hint of sharpness and warmth to complement the meat.
- Seven spice blend: A fragrant and exotic mix that delivers the authentic taste of Kafta Kebabs.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle kick of heat, customizable to your preference.
How to Make Kafta Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Onion and Parsley
Start by quartering the yellow onion and washing the fresh parsley thoroughly. Using a food processor, pulse the onion and parsley until finely chopped. This step is essential because evenly chopped greens and onions distribute throughout the meat, ensuring each kebab has bursts of fresh flavor and moisture.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, finely chopped onion and parsley mixture, and your spices: salt, black pepper, seven spice blend, and cayenne pepper. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly, making sure the spices and herbs are evenly incorporated. This hands-on approach allows you to feel the right texture and ensures the kebabs hold together well.
Step 3: Form the Kebabs
Grab a portion of the meat mixture and mold it around a skewer, aiming for about an inch to an inch and a half thickness. Make sure the meat is packed snugly so it won’t fall apart on the grill. Forming uniform sizes helps the kebabs cook evenly and look picture perfect.
Step 4: Grill the Kebabs
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes per side. You want that beautiful char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, and feel free to baste with a little olive oil for extra richness.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
The magic of Kafta Kebabs is best experienced fresh off the grill. Once cooked, serve them right away while they’re still hot, tender, and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Kafta Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Kafta Kebabs, fresh garnishes are a must. Chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of sumac, or a dollop of creamy tahini sauce complements the spices perfectly. A wedge of lemon squeezed over just before eating adds a zesty brightness that makes every bite pop.
Side Dishes
Kafta Kebabs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think fluffy basmati rice, warm pita bread, or a cool tabbouleh salad bursting with fresh herbs and tomatoes. Roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber-yogurt salad also bring refreshing contrasts to these flavorful kebabs.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, serve your kebabs on a platter layered with flatbreads, a smear of hummus underneath, and scattered pomegranate seeds for a splash of color and sweet-tart contrast. You can also make kebab wraps by rolling them in flatbread with pickled onions and garlic sauce for a fun handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days and remain tender and tasty when properly cooled. Just make sure to cover them to avoid drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked kebabs by placing the formed skewers on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transferring them into a sealed bag. They’ll keep beautifully for 2 to 3 months and are ready to grill straight from frozen with a slightly extended cook time.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat kebabs gently either in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to preserve their flavor and juiciness. Avoid the microwave if you can, as this can dry out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use lamb instead of beef for Kafta Kebabs Recipe?
Absolutely! Lamb adds a richer, slightly gamey flavor that works beautifully in Kafta Kebabs. You can even do a mix of beef and lamb for a balanced taste and texture.
What if I don’t have a seven spice blend?
Don’t worry! Seven spice typically includes cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and other warm spices. You can substitute with a mix of ground cumin, cinnamon, allspice, and paprika to mimic the flavor profile.
Is it necessary to use skewers?
While skewers help shape and grill the kebabs evenly, you can form the meat mixture into small patties if you prefer pan-frying or baking. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! This Kafta Kebabs Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it relies on meat, herbs, and spices. Just be mindful of side dishes or sauces served alongside to keep the meal gluten-free.
How spicy are these kebabs?
The heat level is quite mild with a hint of cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust it up or down based on your preference. The seven spice blend adds warmth without overwhelming spice.
Final Thoughts
Making the Kafta Kebabs Recipe is such a rewarding experience because it fills your kitchen with gorgeous aromas and results in a dish that’s absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re new to Middle Eastern cuisine or a seasoned fan, these kebabs will quickly become one of your favorites. So fire up your grill and dive into this delicious, tender, and aromatic meal with friends or family—you won’t regret it!
Print
Kafta Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Kafta Kebabs recipe features flavorful, spiced ground beef mixed with fresh parsley and onion, shaped onto skewers, and grilled to perfection. A classic Middle Eastern dish that is juicy, aromatic, and perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 1 cup fresh parsley, washed and patted dry
- 600 grams lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon seven spice pre-mixed spice blend
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper, more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion and Parsley: In the bowl of your food processor, add the quartered onion and fresh parsley. Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped to ensure even mixing and enhanced flavor.
- Mix the Ingredients: Transfer the finely chopped onion and parsley to a large mixing bowl. Add the ground beef and all the spices: salt, black pepper, seven spice blend, and cayenne. Using your hands, mix everything thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Form the Kebabs: Take portions of the meat mixture and mold them around skewers, creating kebabs that are about one to one and a half inches thick surrounding the skewer for even cooking.
- Grill the Kebabs: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until the meat is fully cooked and has a nice char.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve hot for best taste. They pair wonderfully with flatbreads, salads, or dips like tzatziki or hummus.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent them from burning.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure the meat is mixed just enough to combine ingredients without overworking to maintain tenderness.
- These kebabs can also be cooked under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
