Description
Juicy, spiced, and deeply savory, these Lebanese Kafta Kebabs are a Middle Eastern classic made with ground beef, fresh herbs, and warm spices. Perfect for grilling season or weeknight meals, they’re delicious served with hummus, grilled veggies, or wrapped in pita.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
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600 grams lean ground beef (20% fat preferred for juiciness)
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1 medium yellow onion, quartered
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1 cup fresh parsley, washed and dried
Seasonings:
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1 teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon seven spice blend (Baharat)
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⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
Instructions
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If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
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In a food processor, pulse the onion and parsley together until finely minced.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the parsley-onion mixture, salt, black pepper, seven spice, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand until the mixture becomes sticky and well combined.
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With wet hands, take a handful of the mixture and shape it around a skewer into a 1 to 1.5-inch thick log. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
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Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the kebabs for about 4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred on the outside.
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Serve hot with your favorite sides like hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, or warm pita bread.
Notes
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If seven spice isn’t available, substitute with allspice or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
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Don’t overprocess the onion-parsley mixture—it should be fine, not watery.
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These kebabs can also be formed into patties and baked at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Lebanese / Middle Eastern