Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1.5 lb extra lean ground beef
- 1 onion
- 1 bunch parsley, approximately 2 cups packed
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1.5 tsp seven spice (Middle Eastern spice mix)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 4 tbsp olive oil, plus more for grilling
- 1 tbsp flour (optional, for binding)
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb Mixture: Using a food processor, finely chop the garlic, onions, and parsley by pulsing for a few seconds until well combined.
- Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the processed herb mixture. Add the seven spice, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix thoroughly using your hands.
- Add Flour for Binding: Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour to help bind the mixture. Continue mixing until the mixture forms a firm dough. Add slightly more flour if the mixture feels too loose, but use sparingly to avoid toughness.
- Shape the Kafta: Form the mixture into 3 to 4-inch long kabobs roughly 1 inch thick. You can shape them either as skewered kabobs or as patties.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your BBQ grill or a cast iron grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill or pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Kabobs: Grill each kafta for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning carefully, until fully cooked and nicely charred. Total grilling time should be approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Test for doneness by cutting a piece to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.
- Alternative Baking Method: If preferred, bake the kafta in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through. Note that grilling produces a juicier result.
- Serve: Serve the kabobs with a yogurt tahini sauce over rice, salad, or wrapped in flatbread for a classic meal.
Notes
- Flour is optional and mainly used to bind the kafta if the mixture is too moist, such as when using thawed meat. Use sparingly to avoid tough texture.
- Grilling yields juicier kabobs than baking, but baking is a convenient alternative for faster cooking.
- If using regular ground beef instead of extra lean, reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon as the meat releases more fat.
- Yogurt tahini sauce complements the kafta well; consider trying an Eggplant Fatteh sauce for serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes (grilling) or 20 minutes (baking)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern