This easy Lebanese Kafta is a tasty dish made with ground beef or lamb mixed with fresh herbs and spices. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling or baking!
Whenever I make this, my house smells amazing, and my family can’t get enough. These meatballs are great in pita with veggies or just on their own—yummy!
I love how quick they come together. Just mix, shape, and cook. They’re always a hit at dinner or for a fun barbecue with friends!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: You can use either ground beef or lamb for this recipe. I often prefer lamb for its rich flavor, but beef works just as well. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey – it won’t have as strong a flavor but can be a tasty substitute.
Onion: Fresh onions are key for flavor. If you have shallots or green onions, you can use those too—just adjust the quantity as needed since they are milder.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley is essential, while mint adds a lovely freshness. If you can’t find fresh mint, dried mint can be used, but reduce the amount since it’s stronger.
Spices: Allspice and cinnamon enhance the flavor profile. Don’t skip these! If you want a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Skewers: If you don’t have wooden skewers, you can shape these into patties and grill them without skewers or even bake them as meatballs. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!
How Do I Shape the Perfect Kafta Skewers?
Shaping kafta skewers can be tricky if you’re not used to it. The key is to ensure they stick to the skewer and not fall apart while cooking.
- First, wet your hands before shaping the meat to prevent it from sticking.
- Take a portion of the seasoned meat and press it tightly around the skewer, forming a cylindrical shape. A good size is about the length of your hand, around 4-5 inches long.
- Don’t rush this part! Firmly pressing helps the mixture hold its shape during cooking. If they break apart, it might be too loose or too wet.
With practice, you’ll get the hang of it, and trust me, the effort is worth it for the delicious results!
Easy Lebanese Kafta with Beef or Lamb
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely grated or minced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes, if grilling)
- Olive oil, for brushing
To serve (optional):
- Hummus
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced red onion
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and another 10-15 minutes for cooking, depending on your cooking method. So, in total, you can enjoy these tasty kafta skewers in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the grated onion, chopped parsley, chopped mint (if using), minced garlic, allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Get in there and mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. This helps develop the flavors!
2. Shape the Kafta:
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Take each portion and shape it around a wooden skewer into a long, cylindrical shape about 4–5 inches long. Press firmly to help them hold their shape, so they don’t fall apart while cooking.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Now, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking. You want it nice and hot for that perfect sear!
4. Cook the Kafta:
Place the kafta skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully, until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. If you prefer to bake them, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through for even cooking.
5. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your kafta juicy!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the kafta skewers on a plate with a generous scoop of hummus and a colorful array of fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion rings. Finish it off with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, some extra parsley for garnish, and a drizzle of olive oil if you like! Now dig in and enjoy your delicious homemade Lebanese Kafta!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Beef or Lamb?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative. Keep in mind that it may not have the same richness as beef or lamb, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning or some olive oil to enhance the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Kafta?
Store any leftover kafta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. They also taste great cold in a salad or sandwich!
Can I Freeze Kafta for Later?
Yes! You can freeze the shaped kafta skewers before cooking. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before grilling or baking.
What Can I Serve with Kafta?
Kafta pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Serve it with hummus, tabbouleh, or a simple salad. You can also enjoy it in a pita with fresh veggies and tahini sauce for a delicious wrap!
