Juicy Lebanese Kafta

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Lebanese Kafta is a delicious and aromatic Middle Eastern dish made with seasoned ground meat, fresh herbs, and warm spices. These juicy kebabs are shaped onto skewers and grilled until perfectly tender and flavorful. With the combination of parsley, onion, and spices, kafta delivers a rich and savory taste that pairs beautifully with pita bread, rice, or fresh salads.

The first time I prepared Lebanese kafta at home, the mixture of fresh parsley, onions, and spices created such an amazing aroma in the kitchen that my husband kept asking when dinner would be ready. When the kafta finally came off the grill, perfectly juicy and lightly charred, my family couldn’t wait to taste it. We served it with warm pita and a simple salad, and it quickly became one of those meals everyone requests again and again.

Why This Juicy Lebanese Kafta Recipe

• Rich and aromatic flavor: Fresh herbs and Middle Eastern spices create an irresistible taste.

• Perfectly juicy texture: The combination of meat, onion, and herbs keeps the kafta tender.

• Versatile serving options: Enjoy with pita bread, rice, salads, or grilled vegetables.

• Quick and easy: Simple ingredients and minimal preparation.

• Great for grilling: Ideal for barbecues, family dinners, or gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb (about 450 g / 1 lb)

• ½ lb ground lamb or beef (about 225 g / 0.5 lb)

• 1 medium onion, finely grated (about 150 g / 0.33 lb)

• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (about 60 g / 0.13 lb)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 9 g / 0.02 lb)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (about 2 g / 0.004 lb)

• 1 teaspoon ground allspice (about 2 g / 0.004 lb)

• 1 teaspoon salt (about 5 g / 0.01 lb)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper (about 1 g / 0.002 lb)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (about 15 g / 0.03 lb)

Optional for Serving

• Pita bread

• Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers

• Hummus or garlic sauce

Directions

1. Prepare the mixture
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, grated onion, chopped parsley, garlic, cumin, allspice, salt, and black pepper.

2. Mix well
   Use your hands to gently mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.

3. Shape the kafta
   Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into long oval kebabs around skewers or form them into small patties.

4. Preheat the grill or pan
   Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brush with olive oil.

5. Cook the kafta
   Grill the kafta for about 4–5 minutes per side, turning occasionally until fully cooked and nicely browned.

6. Serve
   Serve the kafta hot with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and your favorite sauces.

Notes

• Use fresh parsley: It adds brightness and authentic flavor to the kafta.

• Grated onion tip: Squeeze out excess liquid from the onion to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.

• Oven option: Bake kafta at 200°C (400°F) for about 15–18 minutes if you prefer not to grill.

• Extra flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or paprika for a deeper Middle Eastern taste.

• Storage: Leftover kafta can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days and reheated before serving.

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