Prepare to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Middle East with this mouthwatering Kefta recipe that promises to turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure! Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food enthusiast, these perfectly spiced beef or lamb skewers will revolutionize your cooking repertoire and impress everyone at your dining table. Get ready to discover a recipe that's not just a dish, but a delicious cultural experience waiting to be savored!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (if grilling)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly using your hands to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Add the fresh chopped parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Knead the spices into the meat until well incorporated, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Cover the meat mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up. This resting period helps the kefta hold together better during cooking.
- Remove the meat mixture from the refrigerator and divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into elongated oval or cylindrical shapes, approximately 4-5 inches long.
- If using skewers, carefully mold the meat mixture around metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers, ensuring the meat is compact and secure.
- Preheat your grill, grill pan, or broiler to medium-high heat. If grilling, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Cook the kefta for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for lamb to ensure proper doneness.
- Remove the kefta from heat and let rest for 3-4 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- Serve hot with traditional accompaniments such as pita bread, tzatziki sauce, fresh salad, or rice pilaf. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose ground meat with a slight fat content (around 15-20%) for the most juicy and flavorful kefta. A mix of beef and lamb can add depth to the flavor profile.
- Mixing Technique: Always mix the meat and spices with your hands to ensure even distribution and prevent overworking the meat, which can make it tough.
- Chilling is Key: The 30-minute refrigeration isn't optional - it helps the flavors meld and makes the meat easier to shape.
- Uniform Shaping: Use wet hands when shaping the kefta to prevent the meat from sticking to your fingers and ensure smooth, even shapes.
- Cooking Tip: If you don't have a grill, these can be perfectly cooked in a hot skillet or under the broiler. Just ensure you achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and prevent overcooking, which can dry out the meat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
