This Lebanese style beef kabob is packed with warm flavours and juicy meat. It’s perfect for grilling in the summer or cooking on the stove indoors.
Kafta is one of my favourite foods. I love it because it’s so versatile. I use it in many ways such as baked in the oven with potatoes in a tomato sauce, shaped into meatballs for subs, stuffed into cannelloni noodles or even spread across pita bread to make arayes. The options are endless.
It’s often available in most Middle Eastern markets if you’re looking to skip the step of making it yourself but it takes about 10 minutes to put together at home and in my opinion, homemade is so much better!
Watch how I made kafta HERE!
WHAT IS KAFTA?
Kafta or Kofta is popular across the Middle East. It can be made using beef, chicken or lamb. It’s made up of meat, parsley, onions and spices. It is often paired with hummus or rice pilaf.
HOW DO I MAKE IT?
It’s great to use a food processor here but if you don’t have one, you can simply chop the ingredients which I sometimes do.
You’ll start by adding an onion to a food processor and pulse until it is finely chopped. Then you’ll add the parsley and pulse again until it’s finely chopped. Next, you’ll add the beef and spices and mix until everything is combined.
Use your hands to shape the kafta into oblong shapes and now they’re ready for the grill or skillet!
TIPS TO MAKE IT:
1. Use medium ground beef. You’ll need some of the fat to add moisture to the kafta
2. Don’t over cook to prevent it from drying out.
3. Pulse the parsley & onion before adding the beef to avoid over mixing the beef.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH KAFTA?
Hummus is a staple when it comes to kafta. They’re a match made in heaven!
Tabbouli brings a tangy flavour that pairs perfectly with the kafta.
Roasted potatoes are always a hit beside kafta
Ingredients
1/2kg ground beef
1 onion, quartered
1 cup parsley, stems removed
1 tsp Lebanese 7 spices (or all spice)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
In a food processor, pulse the onion until finely chopped then add the parsley and pulse again until chopped.
Drain excess liquid then add the beef. Mix until just combined then remove from the food processor.
Shape about 2 tbsp of the meat mixture into oblong kabob shapes.
Heat grill to medium high heat then place kafta on the grill.
Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side.
Serve with your favourite sides.