Description
This Juicy Beef & Lamb Kafta recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef and lamb with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, shaped into patties or skewers and grilled to perfection. It’s an easy and quick Middle Eastern dish perfect for serving with warm pita bread or fluffy rice, accompanied by yogurt sauce, fresh salad, or pickled vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Extra olive oil for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and lamb with grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley and mint, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add lemon juice and olive oil, then mix thoroughly by hand or with a spoon until the mixture is well blended and slightly sticky to help it hold together.
- Shape the Kafta: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into oval patties or mold onto skewers if grilling on sticks. For wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Kafta: Place the kafta onto the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and serve hot with warm pita bread or fluffy rice, accompanied by your favorite yogurt sauce, fresh salad, or pickled vegetables.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before shaping the meat on them to avoid burning during grilling.
- Alternatively, broil the kafta in the oven on high for 6-7 minutes per side if you prefer not to grill.
- Substitute fresh herbs like cilantro or dill based on availability for flavor variations.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the mixture if a mild heat is desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
