Description
At its core, kafta is a traditional Middle Eastern style of seasoned ground meat cooked on skewers. Think of it as an exceptionally flavorful, aromatic kebab. The foundation typically features ground beef, ground lamb, or a balanced blend of both. Unlike standard western hamburgers or basic meatballs that rely heavily on breadcrumbs, eggs, or heavy fillers, genuine kafta relies entirely on the natural texture of high-quality meat bound together with freshly chopped herbs, finely grated onions, garlic, and classic warm spices.
Ingredients
For the Kafta:
- 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, very finely grated or minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Mint Yogurt:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Make the kafta mixture
Combine the ground meat, onion, parsley, mint, garlic, spices, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined. Don’t overwork the meat. - Shape the skewers
Divide the mixture into 8 portions. Form each portion into a long sausage shape around a wooden or metal skewer. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes first. - Chill
Refrigerate the shaped kafta for 20–30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking. - Make the mint yogurt
Mix the yogurt, mint, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and olive oil. Taste and adjust the lemon or salt as desired. Refrigerate until serving. - Grill
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush lightly with oil. Grill the kafta for about 3–4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until browned, lightly charred, and cooked through. - Rest and serve
Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Notes
For the juiciest and most flavorful kafta, use ground meat with some fat and avoid overmixing the mixture. You can prepare the kafta ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to grill. Serve hot with creamy mint yogurt, warm pita, fresh salad, and a squeeze of lemon for a delicious Middle Eastern meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: High-Protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 420 kcal
Keywords: Grilled kofta skewers with yogurt sauce, Lebanese kafta kebab recipe, Middle Eastern ground lamb skewers, authentic kofta with mint dip