Description
These Lebanese kafta kabobs are made with ground beef, fresh herbs, and warm Middle Eastern spices, then baked until juicy and tender. Easy to make in the oven and served with a creamy yogurt sauce, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
Kafta Kabobs
-
1 lb lean ground beef (93%) or ground lamb
-
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped and drained
-
¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ tsp ground cumin
-
½ tsp paprika
-
¼ tsp ground allspice
-
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
-
½ tsp salt
-
¼ tsp black pepper
Yogurt Sauce
-
½ cup plain low-fat yogurt
-
¼ cup shredded cucumber, drained and patted dry
-
2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
-
1 tsp lemon juice
-
1 small clove garlic, minced
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
-
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, paprika, allspice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
-
Divide mixture into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oblong shape around skewers.
-
Arrange kafta on the prepared rack. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
-
While kafta bake, make the yogurt sauce by stirring together yogurt, cucumber, mint, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
-
Serve kafta kabobs warm with yogurt sauce, pita, rice, or salad.
Notes
-
Drain the onion very well to keep the kafta juicy, not soggy.
-
Do not overmix the meat or the kabobs will be dense.
-
Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes before using.
-
Kafta can also be grilled or pan-seared if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 25 MINUTES
- Category: DINNER | BEEF
- Method: BAKED
- Cuisine: LEBANESE INSPIRED