If you’ve been looking for a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, look no further than this Kafta Kebabs Recipe. These Middle Eastern delights bring together tender ground beef with the fresh brightness of parsley and onion, all spiced just right to create juicy, aromatic kebabs that are sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation. Whether you’re grilling for family, entertaining friends, or simply craving something special for dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Kafta Kebabs Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet every component plays an essential role in creating that perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and aroma. You’ll find that fresh herbs and spices really elevate this dish beyond just ground beef on a skewer.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, quartered): Brings natural sweetness and moisture, which keeps the kebabs juicy and tender.
- Fresh parsley (1 cup): Adds a vibrant, herbaceous note and lovely color contrast.
- Lean ground beef (600 grams): The main star, providing protein and a hearty base for the spices.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
- Seven spice blend (¼ teaspoon): A fragrant mix that typically includes cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, infusing warmth and complexity.
- Cayenne pepper (â…› teaspoon, or more to taste): Adds a touch of heat to balance the other flavors and wake up your palate.
How to Make Kafta Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Onion and Parsley
Start by quartering your onion and washing the parsley thoroughly. Place these fresh ingredients into a food processor and pulse until they’re finely chopped but not pureed, which will blend all their flavors and help distribute them evenly throughout the meat.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Transfer your freshly chopped mixture into a large bowl with the ground beef. Add the salt, pepper, seven spice blend, and cayenne. Get your hands in there and mix everything together thoroughly—that tactile step really helps unite flavors and gives your kebabs that perfect consistency.
Step 3: Form the Kebabs
Take generous handfuls of the mixture and mold it around each skewer. Aim for a thickness of about an inch to an inch and a half—this ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly uniform; rustic shapes add to the charm!
Step 4: Grill the Kebabs
Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the skewers on the grill and cook each side for about 4 minutes. You’re looking for a nicely browned exterior with cooked-through beef inside. The aroma at this point is intoxicating and will have everyone eager to dig in.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once cooked, serve your kafta kebabs straight off the grill while they’re hot and juicy. This not only tastes best but keeps all those flavors and juices locked in.
How to Serve Kafta Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can really elevate your kafta kebabs. Think fresh lemon wedges for a zesty squeeze, a sprinkle of chopped parsley to brighten the plate, or a drizzle of tahini sauce for a creamy contrast. A scattering of sumac on top adds a lovely tang and color.
Side Dishes
Kafta kebabs pair beautifully with fluffy pita bread, warm rice pilaf, or a fresh tabbouleh salad to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette complement the kebabs perfectly for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your kafta kebabs in a warm flatbread wrap with garlic sauce and pickled vegetables for a handheld meal. Alternatively, create a mezze platter including hummus, baba ganoush, and olives for a fun, interactive dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, tightly wrap the cooked kebabs in foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2 to 3 days while retaining most of their flavor and juiciness.
Freezing
For longer storage, shape the uncooked kebabs around skewers and freeze them on a tray until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and keep for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven at a low temperature to avoid drying out the meat. Adding a splash of water or covering with foil will help maintain moisture, preserving that irresistible juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use lamb instead of beef for the Kafta Kebabs Recipe?
Absolutely! Lamb is a traditional choice and adds a rich, distinctive flavor. You can substitute ground lamb one-for-one with ground beef for equally delicious results.
What is seven spice blend, and can I make it at home?
Seven spice is a Middle Eastern mix usually containing cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, coriander, and cumin. You can easily make your own blend at home, which allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking.
Do I need to soak the skewers before grilling?
Yes, if you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers don’t require soaking.
How can I make Kafta Kebabs Recipe more spicy?
To amp up the heat, simply increase the cayenne pepper or add freshly chopped chili peppers to the meat mixture. Be careful to add a little at a time until you reach your preferred level of spiciness.
Can I cook the kebabs indoors instead of on a grill?
Definitely! You can cook the kebabs on a grill pan or under the broiler in your oven. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking and flipping frequently to ensure they cook evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something uniquely satisfying about making and sharing this Kafta Kebabs Recipe. It’s a meal that feels both cozy and special, with flavors that sing from simple, fresh ingredients. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen. Trust me, once you’ve experienced the juicy, spiced perfection of homemade kafta kebabs, you’ll be coming back for more again and again.
Print
Kafta Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Kafta Kebabs recipe features a delicious blend of lean ground beef, fresh parsley, and aromatic spices, molded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. Perfectly seasoned and juicy, these Middle Eastern-inspired kebabs make an excellent main dish for any gathering or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 1 cup fresh parsley, washed and patted dry
- 600 grams lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon seven spice pre-mixed spice blend
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper, more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion and Parsley: In the bowl of a food processor, add the quartered onion and fresh parsley. Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped, creating a fragrant base for the kebabs.
- Mix the Ingredients: Transfer the chopped onion and parsley to a large mixing bowl. Add the ground beef along with salt, black pepper, seven spice blend, and cayenne pepper. Using your hands, mix everything thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Form the Kebabs: Take portions of the meat mixture and mold them around skewers, making the meat about an inch to an inch and a half thick. Ensure they are firmly packed to hold their shape during grilling.
- Grill the Kebabs: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until the meat is fully cooked and has a nice char.
- Serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the parsley dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
- If you don’t have seven spice blend, a mix of allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper can be used as a substitute.
- Use skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes if using wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- These kebabs can also be cooked on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is not available.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
