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overhead image: kafta grilled ion bed of rice with side of grilled tomato slices
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4.63 from 8 votes

Lebanese Kafta (Beef or Lamb)

Lebanese Kafta is an intensely spiced dish featuring ground lamb or beef, minced onion, fresh herbs, and a sumptuous spice blend.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Lebanese
Servings: 4
Author: Kevin

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef or ground lamb
  • 1 cup yellow onion diced (See Note 1)
  • 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley chopped
  • 2 tsp Lebanese 7 spice
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil only if cooking in skillet
  • 1 large tomato or 2-3 Plum or Romas sliced

Instructions

  • Put the ground beef in a large bowl with the chopped onion, parsley, Lebanese Spice Blend, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly using hands.
  • Divide the meat mixture into 6 to 10 patties or long fat fingers depending on the size you prefer. Feel free to use skewers if you like or grill without.
  • If grilling, clean and oil the grill. Grill on medium heat for 10-12 minutes. Make sure to keep turning the kafta to get grill marks on all sides (See Note 2). If using a skillet over medium heat, cook and brown on all sides (8-10 minutes).
  • If desired, add sliced tomato to the grill and cook along with the meat for a few more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately with rice, salad, wrapped in a lavash (flatbread) or khubz (pita).

Video

Notes

  1. For a smoother kafta feel free to finely grate the onion and squeeze excess liquid out before adding to the meat or pulse in food processor with parsley before adding to meat.
  2. If cooking in a skillet, add the oil to the pan and saute in a large skillet on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Turn the kafta over and cook for another 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 954mg | Potassium: 410mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 634IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 3mg