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Lebanese Kafta Recipe

Lebanese Kafta Recipe

This Lebanese Kafta Recipe features ground beef or lamb combined with fresh herbs and authentic spices, shaped into patties or skewers and cooked to juicy perfection. Quick and easy to prepare with versatile cooking methods, this dish offers a mild, kid-friendly flavor and an exotic taste that highlights the essence of Lebanese cuisine.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb (with some fat for juiciness)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing and cooking)

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (for garnish and added crunch)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onions and parsley, ensuring they are small enough to blend smoothly into the meat mixture and help bind the Kafta together.
  2. Mix the Meat and Spices: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with chopped onion, parsley, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything with your hands to combine thoroughly without overworking the meat, which can make the Kafta tough.
  3. Shape the Kafta: Divide the mixture into equal portions and form each into oval patties or long sausage-like shapes if using skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning.
  4. Cook to Perfection: Grill the Kafta over medium heat, pan-fry in a little olive oil, or bake in the oven until the outside is browned and the inside is cooked through, typically 10-15 minutes depending on thickness.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the cooked Kafta rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains moist and flavorful.

Notes

  • Chill the meat mixture before shaping to make forming easier and less sticky.
  • Handle the meat gently to keep Kafta tender, avoiding overmixing.
  • Use fresh parsley for vibrant flavor; avoid dried substitutes.
  • Shape all pieces evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Brush with olive oil before cooking to achieve a golden crust and prevent sticking.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Grilling, Pan-frying, Baking
  • Cuisine: Lebanese
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Lebanese Kafta, Middle Eastern recipe, grilled meat patties, ground beef recipe, ground lamb recipe, gluten-free appetizer