Description
Lebanese Kafta is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made from ground beef or lamb mixed with fresh parsley, onion, and aromatic Lebanese 7 spice blend. The meat is shaped into oval patties or skewered and cooked by grilling or pan-frying. It’s typically served hot alongside rice, salad, or wrapped in flatbread, often accompanied by grilled tomatoes for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lebanese 7 spice blend
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or frying)
- Optional: Sliced tomatoes for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, grated onion, chopped parsley, Lebanese 7 spice blend, kosher salt, and black pepper. Combine thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated, ensuring the mixture is evenly seasoned and holds together well.
- Shape the Kafta: Divide the meat mixture into equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval patty or mold around skewers if you prefer kebabs. Make sure the shapes are compact so they hold during cooking.
- Cook the Kafta – Grilling Option: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the kafta with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill each kafta on each side for about 5 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked and has a nice charred exterior.
- Cook the Kafta – Pan-Frying Option: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kafta patties and cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side, allowing them to brown nicely and cook through completely.
- Optional – Grill Tomatoes: If desired, place sliced tomatoes on the grill during the last few minutes of cooking the kafta. Grill until tomatoes are slightly charred and softened, adding a smoky sweetness to accompany the dish.
- Serve: Serve the kafta hot with your choice of rice, fresh salad, or wrapped in flatbread. Include the grilled tomatoes if prepared for an authentic Lebanese dining experience.
Notes
- Ensure to squeeze out excess onion liquid to prevent the meat mixture from being too wet, which helps the kafta hold its shape better.
- Lebanese 7 spice blend typically includes allspice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, coriander, cumin, and black pepper for authentic flavor.
- Skewering the kafta allows even cooking and makes for a traditional presentation.
- Adjust grilling or cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the kafta patties.
- Serve with fresh herbs or tangy tahini sauce for extra flavor enhancement.
