Mouthwatering Lebanese Kafta Recipe for Flavorful Feasts Recipe

Introduction

Kafta is a beloved Lebanese dish featuring spiced ground meat shaped into logs or patties, perfect for grilling or pan-frying. This recipe delivers a flavorful and juicy kafta that’s ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground Beef or Lamb (Can combine both or choose leaner cuts)
• 1 medium Grated Onion (Drain well to avoid excess moisture)
• 1/2 cup Chopped Parsley (Can substitute with cilantro)
• 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Adjust to taste or use garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon Cumin (Essential for depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Allspice
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne (Adjust for desired heat level)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Ideal for cooking)
• 1 lemon (For added brightness)
• 4 pieces Pita or Rice (Serve alongside for a wholesome meal)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with grated onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, cumin, allspice, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mix thoroughly for 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly sticky.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into small logs or patties, about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick, and place them on a platter with space between each piece.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F / 190°C) or heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
4. Step 4: Cook the kafta for about 4–5 minutes on each side until browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
5. Step 5: Allow the kafta to rest for a minute before serving. Serve with warm pita, rice, or a fresh salad, and optionally drizzle with tahini or yogurt sauce for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Drain the grated onion well to prevent excess moisture that can make the kafta fall apart.
• For a different herb flavor, substitute parsley with fresh cilantro or mint.
• If you prefer milder heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Adding a splash of lemon juice to the mixture brightens the overall flavor.
• Kafta can also be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes as a hands-off alternative.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked kafta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or in the oven to preserve moisture. For longer storage, freeze the cooked kafta for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but since they are leaner, add a bit of olive oil or grated onion to keep the kafta moist and flavorful.

How do I prevent the kafta from sticking to the grill or pan?

Make sure to oil the grill grates or skillet well before cooking and avoid moving the kafta too soon; letting it sear properly will help release it easily.

Mouthwatering Lebanese Kafta Recipe for Flavorful Feasts Recipe

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4.5 from 144 reviews

This Mouthwatering Lebanese Kafta recipe delivers flavorful grilled or pan-seared spiced ground beef or lamb logs infused with aromatic parsley, onion, and traditional Middle Eastern spices. Perfect for a festive family meal, it pairs wonderfully with pita bread, rice, or fresh salad for a wholesome and satisfying feast.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Lebanese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 1 pound Ground Beef or Lamb (Can combine both or choose leaner cuts)
• 1 medium Grated Onion (Drain well to avoid excess moisture)
• 1/2 cup Chopped Parsley (Can substitute with cilantro)
• 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Adjust to taste or use garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon Cumin (Essential for depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Allspice
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne (Adjust for desired heat level)

Cooking

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Ideal for cooking)

To Serve

• 1 lemon (For added brightness)
• 4 pieces Pita or Rice (Serve alongside for a wholesome meal)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with grated onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and spices: cumin, allspice, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mix thoroughly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly sticky, indicating it is ready for shaping.
2. Shape the Kafta: Form the mixture into small logs or patties approximately 4 inches long and 1 inch thick. Place them evenly spaced on a platter to maintain their shape and ease of cooking.
3. Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C), or alternatively, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, preparing it for cooking the kafta.
4. Cook the Kafta: Place the kafta logs or patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Ensure they are browned evenly and cook until their internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption.
5. Rest and Serve: Allow the kafta to rest for one minute after cooking to retain juices. Serve them warm alongside pita bread or rice, and optionally drizzle with tahini or yogurt sauce for added flavor. Add lemon wedges for squeezing over the top to brighten the dish.

Notes

• Drain grated onion well to prevent excess moisture which can make kafta fall apart during cooking.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
• Use lean cuts of beef or lamb for a healthier version.
• Make sure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) to ensure the meat is safely cooked.
• Tahini or yogurt sauce complements kafta beautifully but is optional.
• Let kafta rest briefly before serving to keep it juicy and tender.

Keywords: Lebanese kafta, Middle Eastern grilled meat, kafta recipe, ground beef recipes, lamb kafta, traditional Lebanese food