If you’re looking to dive into a dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and tradition, then you’re in for a treat with this Kafta Kebabs Recipe. These succulent kebabs combine perfectly spiced ground beef with fresh herbs and just the right amount of heat, delivering a mouthwatering experience that’s tender on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this recipe brings authentic Middle Eastern flair to your table with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of freshness, spice, and juiciness in your Kafta Kebabs Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, or aroma, giving you a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- Medium yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and moisture, keeping the kebabs tender and juicy.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a vibrant green color and fresh herbal note that brightens the meat.
- Lean ground beef: The hearty main ingredient that forms the kebabs’ base—choose lean for a balanced texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it.
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle heat that complements the spices without overpowering.
- Seven spice blend: A fragrant pre-mixed spice that includes warming spices like cumin, cinnamon, and allspice to add complexity.
- Cayenne pepper: Gives your kebabs a lively kick; adjust the amount depending on your heat preference.
How to Make Kafta Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Onion and Parsley
To start, quarter your yellow onion and gather fresh parsley that’s been washed and patted dry. Toss both into a food processor and pulse a few times until they’re finely chopped, almost like a coarse paste. This step ensures your kebabs have an evenly distributed freshness and moisture, crucial for that perfect bite.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Transfer the finely chopped onion and parsley into a large mixing bowl along with your lean ground beef. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, seven spice, and cayenne pepper. Now for the fun part—using your hands, mix all these ingredients thoroughly. The warmth of your hands helps meld the meat and spices together evenly, creating the signature texture of Kafta Kebabs.
Step 3: Form the Kebabs
Take a handful of the mixture and mold it around a skewer, aiming for about an inch to an inch and a half thickness. You want the kebabs to hold together firmly but not so dense that they lose their juiciness during cooking. Repeat this until you’ve used all the meat mixture, creating a beautiful lineup of ready-to-grill kebabs.
Step 4: Grill the Kebabs
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers of kafta onto the grill and cook them for about 4 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when the meat is cooked through and a deliciously charred crust has formed. The grilling process seals in the flavors and adds that irresistible smoky taste that makes this Kafta Kebabs Recipe so special.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once cooked, serve your Kafta Kebabs hot off the grill. They are at their tastiest fresh and juicy right away, so don’t delay the first bite!
How to Serve Kafta Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate your Kafta Kebabs to another level. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or mint over the top for a refreshing herbal touch. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright, tangy contrast, and a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce or garlic yogurt creates a luscious, cooling layer that balances the spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
To complete your meal, pair these kebabs with fluffy basmati rice or warm pita bread to soak up the juices. A crisp fattoush salad or tabbouleh with its fresh herbs and zesty dressing complements the rich meat perfectly. Roasted vegetables or grilled eggplant also make a wholesome and flavorful side.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve your Kafta Kebabs on a platter lined with colorful roasted peppers, olives, and pickled turnips. You can also turn them into wraps using flatbreads stuffed with hummus, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce. For a party, bite-sized kebab sliders with tzatziki make fantastic finger food that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked Kafta Kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinner the following day.
Freezing
To freeze, place uncooked formed kebabs on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Reheating
Reheat leftover kebabs gently in a stovetop pan over medium heat or in the oven at a low temperature to keep the meat juicy and avoid drying out. Microwave reheating can work for convenience but may sacrifice some texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground lamb instead of beef for Kafta Kebabs Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground lamb adds a richer and slightly gamier flavor, which many people love in traditional kafta. Feel free to substitute all or half of the ground beef with lamb depending on your preference.
What is seven spice blend, and can I make my own?
Seven spice blend is a Middle Eastern mix typically including ingredients like cinnamon, allspice, cumin, coriander, black pepper, cloves, and nutmeg. You can purchase it pre-mixed or create your own by combining these spices in equal parts for an aromatic and authentic touch.
How can I prevent the kebabs from falling off the skewers?
Make sure the meat mixture is well combined and not too wet. When forming the kebabs, firmly mold the mixture around the skewer and press to ensure good contact. Chilling the formed kebabs for a short time before grilling can help them hold their shape better.
Is it necessary to use a grill, or can I cook these indoors?
You can certainly cook Kafta Kebabs indoors using a grill pan or broiler. Just watch closely and turn frequently to get that nice char and cook the kebabs through without drying them out.
Can I add other herbs or spices to customize this Kafta Kebabs Recipe?
Of course! Feel free to experiment by adding mint, cilantro, or a pinch of smoked paprika to tailor the flavors to your liking. Just remember to keep the balance so the meat’s natural taste still shines through.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Kafta Kebabs Recipe enough for anyone craving a simple yet deeply flavorful dish that transports you straight to the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine. Once you try these delicious, juicy kebabs, grilled to perfection with bold spices and fresh herbs, I guarantee they’ll become a favorite in your cooking rotation. So grab your skewers and get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests!
Print
Kafta Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Kafta Kebabs recipe presents a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring lean ground beef mixed with fresh parsley, onion, and fragrant spices. These skewered kebabs are grilled to perfection, delivering juicy, savory bites perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful gathering centerpiece.
Ingredients
For the Kafta Kebabs
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 1 cup fresh parsley, washed and patted dry
- 600 grams lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon seven spice pre-mixed spice blend
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper, more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion and Parsley: Take the quartered onion and fresh parsley and place them into the bowl of a food processor.
- Process the Ingredients: Pulse the onion and parsley repeatedly until finely chopped, ensuring they are well combined but not pureed.
- Mix the Ingredients: Transfer the ground beef into a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped onion and parsley mixture along with salt, black pepper, seven spice blend, and cayenne pepper. Using your hands, mix all the ingredients thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly.
- Form the Kebabs: Take a portion of the meat mixture and mold it around a skewer, shaping it into a sausage-like form about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Preheat the Grill: Prepare your grill for medium-high heat to ensure a good sear and even cooking.
- Grill the Kebabs: Place the skewers onto the grill and cook each side for approximately 4 minutes, turning carefully to cook evenly and until the meat is fully cooked through and juices run clear.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the kafta kebabs from the grill and serve hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Ensure the onion and parsley are finely chopped to help bind the mixture well when forming kebabs.
- If you do not have seven spice blend, you can substitute with a mixture of ground cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper.
- Adjust cayenne pepper level to control the spiciness of the kebabs.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Serve with flatbread, yogurt sauce, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
