Kafta Kebabs Recipe

Introduction

Kafta kebabs are flavorful Middle Eastern grilled meat skewers made with ground beef, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. They’re simple to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 medium yellow onion (quartered)
• 1 cup fresh parsley (washed and patted dry)
• 600 grams ground beef (lean)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon seven spice (pre-mixed spice blend)
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of your food processor, add the quartered onion and fresh parsley. Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped but not pureed.
2. Step 2: Transfer the chopped mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, seven spice, and cayenne pepper. Using your hands, mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
3. Step 3: Shape the meat mixture onto skewers, molding it around each skewer so that the thickness is about one to one and a half inches.
4. Step 4: Prepare your grill—either charcoal or gas. For a gas grill, preheat to medium-high and lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes on one side.
5. Step 5: Turn the kebabs over and grill the other side for another 4 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Step 6: Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• If you don’t have seven spice, substitute with a mix of ground cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.
• Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning.
• Add finely chopped mint leaves along with parsley for a fresh twist.
• Serve with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a side of yogurt sauce for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked kafta kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or oven until heated through, being careful not to dry out the meat. You can also freeze uncooked shaped kebabs for up to 1 month; thaw before grilling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground lamb instead of beef for kafta?

Yes, ground lamb is a traditional choice for kafta and adds a rich, authentic flavor. You can substitute it in equal amounts.

What is seven spice and where can I find it?

Seven spice is a Middle Eastern blend of spices typically including cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, and others. It can be found in specialty spice shops or online. If unavailable, you can mix similar spices at home as described in the tips.

Kafta Kebabs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 68 reviews

Kafta Kebabs are flavorful Middle Eastern grilled skewers made from a mixture of ground beef, fresh parsley, onions, and aromatic spices. Perfectly seasoned and quickly cooked over a grill, these kebabs are tender, juicy, and packed with delightful smoky flavors, making them an excellent choice for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Kafta Mixture

• 1 medium yellow onion (quartered)
• 1 cup fresh parsley (washed and patted dry)
• 600 grams ground beef (lean)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon seven spice (pre-mixed spice blend)
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatics: In the bowl of your food processor, add the quartered onion and fresh parsley. Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped but not completely pureed, to ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the mixture.
2. Mix the meat mixture: Transfer the chopped parsley and onion into a large mixing bowl. Add the ground beef along with salt, black pepper, seven spice, and cayenne pepper. With clean hands, mix all ingredients thoroughly until fully combined, ensuring an even blend of spices and herbs within the meat.
3. Form the kebabs: Divide the meat mixture into portions and mold each portion around a skewer. Aim for the meat to be about one to one and a half inches thick around the skewer, forming an elongated oval shape. This thickness helps cook the kebabs evenly and retains juiciness.
4. Preheat the grill: Prepare your charcoal or gas grill for cooking. For a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat and lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the kebabs: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook the kebabs on one side for approximately 4 minutes, then carefully turn them over. Continue grilling the other side for another 4 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred on the outside, ensuring they are juicy and flavorful.
6. Serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve immediately while hot and juicy. These kebabs pair wonderfully with fresh salads, flatbreads, or yogurt sauces.

Notes

• Using lean ground beef helps prevent excessive flare-ups on the grill and keeps the kebabs healthy.
• If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the onion and parsley with a knife.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
• Adjust cayenne pepper according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Seven spice blend is a Middle Eastern seasoning typically containing allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and other warm spices; substitute with a mix of allspice and cinnamon if unavailable.
• Serve with lemon wedges to add a fresh citrusy zing.

Keywords: Kafta Kebabs, Middle Eastern kebabs, grilled beef skewers, seven spice recipe, easy grill recipes, ground beef kebabs