Lebanese Kafta is a beloved Middle Eastern dish made from ground beef or lamb, mixed with fresh herbs and warm spices. These flavorful meat patties can be grilled or pan-fried and served with rice, salad, or wrapped in flatbread for a delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic flavors – Uses traditional Lebanese spices for an irresistible taste.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Versatile – Can be served with rice, salad, or in wraps.
- Perfect for grilling – Great for BBQs and gatherings.
- Healthy option – Lean protein with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 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
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or frying)
- Optional: Sliced tomatoes for grilling
Directions
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, grated onion, chopped parsley, Lebanese 7 spice blend, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Shape the Kafta:
- Divide the mixture into equal portions.
- Shape each portion into an oval patty or mold around skewers for kebabs.
Cook the Kafta:
Grilling:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the kafta with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill for about 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
Pan-Frying:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the kafta and cook for about 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Optional – Grill Tomatoes:
- If desired, place sliced tomatoes on the grill during the last few minutes of cooking the kafta.
- Grill until slightly charred and softened.
Serve:
- Enjoy hot with rice, salad, or wrapped in flatbread.
- Serve with grilled tomatoes if prepared.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 307 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kafta – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Cheesy Kafta – Mix in crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
- Herb-Infused – Include chopped mint or cilantro for added freshness.
- Baked Kafta – Place kafta on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Vegan Alternative – Use mashed chickpeas or lentils with the same spices for a plant-based version.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover kafta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked kafta patties for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
FAQs
1. What is Lebanese 7 spice blend?
Lebanese 7 spice blend is a mix of allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, nutmeg, and coriander, giving kafta its signature flavor.
2. Can I use chicken instead of beef or lamb?
Yes, ground chicken can be used, but it may require extra seasoning to maintain its flavor.
3. Can I make kafta without skewers?
Absolutely! You can shape them into patties or logs without skewers and cook them the same way.
4. How do I keep kafta from falling apart?
Make sure to squeeze out excess liquid from the grated onion and mix the ingredients well for binding.
5. What can I serve with kafta?
Kafta pairs well with rice, hummus, tzatziki, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
6. Can I cook kafta in the oven?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
7. How do I prevent kafta from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and brush with olive oil before grilling to keep it moist.
8. What is the difference between kafta and kebabs?
Kafta is typically made with ground meat and spices, while kebabs can be chunks of meat or ground meat shaped onto skewers.
9. Can I make kafta ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
10. Is kafta gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it does not contain breadcrumbs or flour.
Conclusion
Lebanese Kafta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings authentic Middle Eastern flavors to your table. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or baked, this dish is perfect for a quick family meal or a gathering with friends. Try it with rice, salad, or wrapped in flatbread for a delicious experience!
Lebanese Kafta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lebanese Kafta (Beef or Lamb) is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made from ground beef or lamb, blended with fresh parsley, grated onion, and Lebanese 7 spice. Perfect for grilling or pan-frying, this flavorful dish is often served with rice, salad, or wrapped in flatbread. Enjoy a taste of Lebanon with this easy-to-make, healthy, and versatile recipe.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 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
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or frying)
- Optional: Sliced tomatoes for grilling
Instructions
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, grated onion, chopped parsley, Lebanese 7 spice blend, salt, and black pepper. Combine well until fully incorporated. -
Shape the Kafta:
Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each portion into an oval patty or mold around skewers for kebabs. -
Cook the Kafta:
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the kafta with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Pan-Frying: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kafta and cook for about 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
-
Optional – Grill Tomatoes:
If desired, place sliced tomatoes on the grill during the last few minutes of cooking the kafta. Grill until slightly charred and softened. -
Serve:
Serve the kafta hot with rice, salad, or wrapped in flatbread. Serve with grilled tomatoes if prepared.
Notes
- Variations include making spicy kafta by adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes, or cheesy kafta by incorporating crumbled feta or mozzarella.
- For a vegan alternative, use mashed chickpeas or lentils with the same spices.
- To store, refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Lebanese
