Lebanese Kafta Beef or Lamb (Print-Friendly Format)
Ground beef or lamb with parsley, onion, and Lebanese spices, grilled or pan-seared for rich flavor.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Kafta Mixture
01 -
450 g lean ground beef or ground lamb
02 -
1 cup (150 g) yellow onion, finely diced
03 -
1/2 cup (15 g) flat leaf parsley, chopped
04 -
2 teaspoons Lebanese 7 spice blend
05 -
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
06 -
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ For Cooking (if using skillet)
07 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Optional for Serving
08 -
1 large tomato or 2–3 plum or Roma tomatoes, sliced
# How to Make It:
01 -
Place ground beef or lamb, diced onion, chopped parsley, Lebanese 7 spice, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly by hand until well combined.
02 -
Divide the meat mixture into 6 to 10 evenly sized patties or elongated cylinders, based on preference. Optionally, form around skewers for grilling.
03 -
If grilling, preheat grill to medium and brush grates lightly with oil. For stovetop preparation, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
04 -
Grill or sauté the kafta, turning regularly for even browning. For grill: cook 10–12 minutes, turning to achieve grill marks on all sides. For skillet: brown on all sides for 8–10 minutes, turning as needed until cooked through.
05 -
If desired, place sliced tomatoes on the grill or skillet during the final minutes of cooking. Allow to soften and char lightly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
06 -
Serve kafta immediately with rice, salad, or wrapped in lavash or khubz bread as preferred.
# Additional Information:
01 -
For a smoother texture, finely grate onion and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing. Alternatively, process onion and parsley together in a food processor prior to incorporation.