Description
Lebanese Kafta is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made with seasoned ground beef or lamb mixed with onions, parsley, and Lebanese 7 spice blend. The mixture is shaped into oval patties or skewered kebabs, then grilled or pan-fried to juicy perfection. Often served with grilled tomatoes, rice, salad, or wrapped in flatbread, this dish brings authentic Lebanese flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lebanese 7 spice blend
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or frying)
- Optional: Sliced tomatoes for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, grated onion, chopped parsley, Lebanese 7 spice blend, salt, and black pepper. Combine well until fully incorporated to ensure even seasoning throughout the meat.
- Shape the Kafta: Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each into an oval patty or mold around skewers if you prefer kebab style. The shape helps with even cooking and enhances presentation.
- Cook the Kafta – Grilling Option: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the kafta with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill the patties or skewers for about 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked and charred on the outside.
- Cook the Kafta – Pan-Frying Option: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kafta and cook for about 5 minutes per side until the exterior is browned and the meat is cooked through.
- Optional – Grill Tomatoes: If desired, place sliced tomatoes on the grill during the last few minutes of cooking the kafta. Grill until they are slightly charred and softened, adding a smoky sweetness to the dish.
- Serve: Serve the kafta hot with your choice of rice, a fresh salad, or wrapped in flatbread. Include grilled tomatoes if prepared for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Ensure excess liquid is squeezed out from the grated onion to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
- Lebanese 7 spice blend typically contains cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, black pepper, and white pepper; you can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- You can substitute lamb entirely with beef or use a mix for different flavor profiles.
- For kebabs, use soaked wooden or metal skewers to mold the meat mixture around for grilling.
- If grilling, keep an eye on the kafta to avoid overcooking; they should remain juicy inside.
- Leftover kafta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
