Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Middle East with this irresistible Kafta recipe that will make your grill sizzle and your guests beg for seconds! Imagine tender, perfectly spiced meat skewers that are bursting with aromatic flavors of cumin and allspice, promising a culinary adventure that's both exotic and comforting. Whether you're a grilling enthusiast or a curious home cook, this authentic dish will elevate your cooking game and impress everyone at your table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, grated
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Skewers for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by finely grating the onion and chopping fresh parsley. Ensure ground meat is at room temperature for better mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or lamb, grated onion, chopped parsley, cumin, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands to ensure even distribution of spices and aromatics.
- Knead the meat mixture for 3-4 minutes until it becomes slightly sticky and well-integrated. This helps the kafta hold together during cooking.
- Wet your hands with cold water to prevent meat from sticking while shaping. Take small portions of the meat mixture and mold them into elongated sausage-like shapes around skewers, ensuring even thickness of about 1-2 cm.
- Preheat grill or barbecue to medium-high heat (around 200°C/400°F). If using a grill pan, heat it until it's evenly hot.
- Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking. Place kafta skewers on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, turning occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer - it should reach 71°C (160°F) for safe consumption. Meat should have a nice char and be cooked through.
- Remove kafta from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve hot with traditional accompaniments like flatbread, hummus, tabbouleh, or a fresh salad. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped parsley.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always use room temperature meat for better mixing and more consistent texture.
- Knead with Purpose: Spend 3-4 minutes thoroughly mixing the meat to help it bind and create a smoother consistency.
- Wet Hands Technique: Keep a bowl of cold water nearby when shaping skewers to prevent meat from sticking to your hands.
- Even Cooking: Ensure uniform thickness (1-2 cm) for consistent grilling and perfect doneness.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between skewers on the grill for even heat distribution.
- Rest Your Meat: Always let kafta rest 2-3 minutes after grilling to retain moisture and enhance flavor.
- Experiment with Meat: While traditional recipes use beef or lamb, you can try ground chicken for a lighter option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
