How to Make the Perfect Lebanese Kafta
Lebanese · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
Lebanese kafta is a flavorful grilled minced meat dish made with ground lamb or beef blended with fresh parsley, onion, and aromatic spices then shaped onto flat skewers. It is a favorite at outdoor grills and family barbecues across Lebanon and the wider Middle East.
Why this recipe works
This Lebanese Kafta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 500 grams ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion grated
- 1 cup flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Lebanese seven spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the kafta blend
Place the ground meat in a large mixing bowl and add the grated onion, finely chopped parsley, seven spice, cinnamon, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly using your hands for at least 3 minutes until the mixture becomes well combined and slightly sticky. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Shape onto skewers
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. With wet hands, press and mold each portion around a flat metal skewer, shaping it into a long sausage about 15 centimeters in length. Squeeze firmly so the meat adheres securely and will not fall off during grilling.
Step 3: Grill the kafta
Preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat. Cook the kafta skewers for 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning once, until they are nicely charred on the outside and cooked through. Do not press down on the meat with a spatula as this will release the juices and dry out the kafta.
Step 4: Rest and serve
Remove the kafta from the grill and allow them to rest for 3 minutes before serving. Serve on a platter with warm pita bread, a side of garlic sauce or hummus, sliced tomatoes, and fresh parsley. A simple tahini drizzle makes an excellent accompaniment.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground lamb → ground turkey for a lighter lower-fat version of kafta
- Lebanese seven spice → a mixture of allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create your own blend
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not grating the onion finely enough, which causes the kafta to fall apart on the skewer
- Overcooking the kafta on the grill, which makes it dry and crumbly instead of juicy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 28g protein, 6g carbs, 26g fat, 1g fiber.
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