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Kafta Kebabs

Kafta Kebabs

These Kafta Kebabs are a classic Lebanese-style grilled beef skewer made with ground beef, onion, parsley, and warm spices for juicy, flavorful kebabs that cook in minutes and pair perfectly with pita, salad, and dips.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 5 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle-Eastern
Calories: 178
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Kafta mixture
  • 1 medium yellow onion peeled and quartered
  • 1 cup fresh parsley washed and patted dry, loosely packed
  • 600 grams ground beef lean, with some fat
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon seven spice or allspice Middle Eastern spice blend or allspice
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper more to taste

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Skewers

Method
 

  1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes so they do not burn on the grill.
  2. Add the quartered onion and fresh parsley to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until very finely chopped, stopping before the mixture becomes too watery.
  3. Transfer the chopped onion and parsley to a large mixing bowl. Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, seven spice or allspice, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Using clean hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly until the meat mixture is well combined and feels slightly tacky and cohesive.
  5. Take a portion of the kafta mixture and mold it around a skewer, shaping it into a long, even log about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
  6. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  7. Place the kafta kebabs on the hot grill. Cook for about 4 minutes on the first side, then turn and grill for another 4 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
  8. Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest briefly. Serve hot with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, bread, and your favorite sides.

Notes

If you do not have an outdoor grill, you can cook Kafta Kebabs on a stovetop grill pan or bake them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until cooked through. Shaping the meat firmly around the skewers helps it stay in place as it cooks. Leftover kafta can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months; reheat gently before serving.