If you have a soft spot for flavorful, home-cooked Middle Eastern dishes, you are going to absolutely adore this Lebanese Kafta Recipe. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish showcasing spiced, tender ground meat mixed with fresh parsley and onion. This recipe brings a perfect balance of herbs and spices to your plate, creating juicy, aromatic kafta patties that can be grilled or pan-fried to perfection. Every bite bursts with classic Lebanese flavors, making it a beloved choice for weeknight dinners or special gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lebanese Kafta lies in its straightforward list of ingredients, each playing a crucial role to build the dish’s signature taste, texture, and vibrant character. From fresh herbs to aromatic spices, these components are easy to source but work harmoniously for a delicious result.
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb: The heart of the recipe, providing rich flavor and a juicy base for the kafta.
- 1 medium onion, finely grated: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture; squeezing out excess liquid keeps the mixture firm.
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Offers a fresh, herbal brightness that lightens the meat’s richness.
- 1 tablespoon Lebanese 7 spice blend: A fragrant mix that infuses warm, earthy notes essential to authentic Middle Eastern flavor.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural taste and balances the spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to complement the other seasonings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or frying): Prevents sticking and adds a subtle fruity aroma while cooking.
- Optional: Sliced tomatoes for grilling: Imparts a smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the kafta.
How to Make Lebanese Kafta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by combining your ground meat with the finely grated onion, chopped parsley, Lebanese 7 spice blend, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid from the onion before mixing to ensure your kafta holds together beautifully without becoming soggy. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are fully incorporated. This combination of fresh herbs and spices is where the authentic flavor starts to develop.
Step 2: Shape the Kafta
Once your mixture is well combined, divide it into equal portions and shape each into an oval patty. You can also mold the mixture around skewers if you prefer kebab-style kafta. This shaping process is both fun and crucial to get the perfect cooking texture. Make sure the patties are firm enough to hold together, but not too tightly packed, so they stay tender after cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Kafta
For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the kafta with olive oil to prevent sticking and grill each side for about five minutes until fully cooked and nicely charred. If you’re pan-frying, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the kafta for five minutes per side, allowing the outside to brown beautifully while keeping the inside juicy. Both methods yield delicious results, so choose whichever suits your mood or setup.
Step 4: Optional – Grill the Tomatoes
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, slice some tomatoes and place them on the grill during the last few minutes of cooking the kafta. The tomatoes will soften and develop a smoky char that complements the meat’s rich spice profile perfectly, resulting in a colorful and tasty addition to your meal.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your Lebanese kafta hot off the grill or pan with simple sides such as rice, a crisp salad, or wrapped inside soft flatbread. If you grilled tomatoes, be sure to plate those alongside for an authentic touch. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, allowing all the herbs and spices to shine through in every bite.
How to Serve Lebanese Kafta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint leaves adds a lovely green pop of color and a refreshing note to your plate. Lemon wedges are also wonderful for squeezing over the kafta, enhancing its brightness and balancing the richer meat flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Lebanese Kafta pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes such as fluffy basmati rice, tabbouleh salad with fresh veggies and herbs, or creamy hummus and baba ganoush for an authentic Mediterranean feast. These sides bring texture variety and fill out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the kafta inside warm pita bread with a smear of garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables for a satisfying wrap. Alternatively, arrange the kofta on a large platter with grilled veggies and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a stunning family-style presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the kafta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them properly covered ensures they stay moist and flavorful for your next meal.
Freezing
Lebanese Kafta freezes beautifully. Arrange the uncooked shaped patties or skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months and ready to cook straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, an oven or skillet works best to maintain the kafta’s texture. Warm them gently at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or pan-fry briefly on medium heat until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the meat.
FAQs
What kind of meat is best for Lebanese Kafta Recipe?
Traditionally, lamb is preferred for its rich flavor, but ground beef works just as well and is more widely available. Some people even mix the two for a balance of tastes and textures.
Can I prepare the kafta mixture in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients and shape the kafta a day ahead, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just keep them tightly covered to maintain freshness.
Is Lebanese 7 spice blend easy to find?
Many Middle Eastern grocery stores carry Lebanese 7 spice blend, but you can also make your own at home using a mix of ground allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, coriander, cumin, and black pepper.
Can I bake the kafta instead of grilling or frying?
Yes! Baking at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes is a convenient alternative. Just make sure to turn the patties halfway through to ensure even cooking.
What can I serve with kafta for a complete meal?
Alongside popular sides like rice and salad, serving kafta with flatbreads, pickled vegetables, and yogurt-based sauces like tzatziki or garlic sauce creates a wonderfully balanced and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly special about the way the flavors come together in this Lebanese Kafta Recipe. It’s easy to make, packed with vibrant herbs and spices, and hearty enough to satisfy any appetite. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply treating yourself to a comforting dinner, this dish hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how delicious Lebanese cuisine can be right in your own kitchen!
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Lebanese Kafta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Description
Lebanese Kafta is a flavorful and aromatic ground meat dish made with a blend of spices, fresh parsley, and grated onion. Typically made from beef or lamb, the kafta is shaped into patties or skewered kebabs and cooked by grilling or pan-frying. This easy, traditional Middle Eastern recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs well with rice, salad, or flatbread.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 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
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or frying)
- Optional: Sliced tomatoes for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef or lamb with the finely grated onion (with excess liquid squeezed out), chopped parsley, Lebanese 7 spice blend, kosher salt, and black pepper until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Shape the Kafta: Divide the meat mixture into equal portions. Shape each portion either into oval patties or mold around skewers if making kebabs.
- Cook the Kafta by Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the shaped kafta with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until the meat is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
- Or Pan-Fry the Kafta: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kafta patties and cook for approximately 5 minutes per side, until they are browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
- Optional – Grill Tomatoes: If desired, place sliced tomatoes on the grill a few minutes before finishing the kafta. Grill them until they are slightly charred and softened for added flavor.
- Serve: Serve the kafta hot alongside rice, fresh salad, or wrapped in flatbread. Include the grilled tomatoes if made, to complement the meal.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out the excess liquid from the grated onion to avoid too much moisture which could affect the texture of the kafta.
- Lebanese 7 spice blend typically includes cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, nutmeg, cloves, coriander, and cumin; adjust seasoning to taste.
- For best grilling results, preheat and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Kafta can be shaped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Serve with classic Middle Eastern sides like tabbouleh, hummus, or tzatziki for a full meal.
