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Lebanese Kafta Kebabs

Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, backyard BBQ, or a festive gathering, kafta kebabs are easy to make, full of bold flavors, and pair beautifully with rice, pita, or fresh salads.

Ingredients

For the Kafta Mixture:

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
  • ½ medium onion, finely grated
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds depth)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Serving:

  • Warm pita bread or rice
  • Lebanese garlic sauce (Toum) or tzatziki
  • Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Kafta Mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, chopped parsley, garlic, and all spices.
  2. Drizzle in olive oil and mix everything well with your hands until fully combined.
  3. Cover and let the mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Shape the Kafta

  1. Divide the meat mixture into 6-8 portions.
  2. Shape each portion into a long sausage shape around a skewer, pressing firmly so it holds.
  3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

3. Cook the Kafta

Grill Method (Best for Smoky Flavor)

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating until fully cooked and charred.

Stovetop Method

  1. Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the kafta skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.

Oven Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place kafta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway, until fully cooked.

4. Serve & Enjoy

  • Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
  • Serve with pita, rice, fresh vegetables, and your favorite Middle Eastern dips.

Notes

How to Serve Lebanese Kafta Kebabs

  • In a Wrap: Stuff warm pita bread with kafta, fresh veggies, and tahini or tzatziki sauce.
  • With Rice: Serve over a bed of fragrant basmati rice with grilled tomatoes and onions.
  • As a Platter: Pair with hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh for a complete Middle Eastern feast.
  • Author: niold.com