Description
Lebanese Kafta is a flavorful and aromatic grilled meat dish made from ground beef or lamb mixed with parsley, onion, garlic, and warm spices like allspice and cinnamon. Shaped into logs or patties and grilled to perfection, kafta is a delicious Middle Eastern main course often enjoyed with pita bread, hummus, or fresh salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
- ½ cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 small onion, grated or finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For Cooking
- Olive oil for grilling or brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with chopped parsley, grated onion, minced garlic, ground allspice, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Use your hands to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, taking care not to overwork the mixture to maintain tenderness.
- Shape the Kafta: Divide the meat mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval log or flatten slightly to form patties. Alternatively, mold the mixture around skewers for grilling if preferred.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the cooking surface with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
- Cook the Kafta: Place the shaped kafta onto the preheated grill or pan. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until well browned and cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe level for ground meat.
- Serve: Remove the kafta from heat and serve hot. Ideal accompaniments include pita bread, hummus, tzatziki, or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a traditional Lebanese meal experience.
Notes
- Kafta can be cooked using different methods: grilled, pan-fried on stovetop, or baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- You can freeze shaped kafta before cooking for convenient meal prep.
- Lamb provides a richer, more authentic flavor, while beef offers a leaner alternative.