Beef Kafta is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that features ground beef blended with aromatic herbs and spices, shaped into skewers or patties, and grilled or baked to perfection. This flavorful dish is versatile and can be served with rice, pita, or salad. The combination of fresh parsley, onion, and a mix of warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and 7 spice makes this kafta a crowd-pleasing favorite for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 small yellow onion, quartered
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons 7 spice (a Middle Eastern spice blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Herb and Onion Mixture: In a food processor, pulse the fresh parsley and quartered onion until they are finely chopped.
- Mix the Beef and Spices: Add the ground beef to the bowl with the parsley and onion mixture. Sprinkle in the 7 spice, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything thoroughly until all the spices and herbs are evenly incorporated into the meat.
- Shape the Kafta: With your hands, form the beef mixture into long, cylindrical shapes or patties, about 4-5 inches in length and 1 inch thick. You can also shape them around skewers if grilling.
- Cook the Kafta: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the kafta skewers or patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the kafta is browned and cooked through. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the kafta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-18 minutes, turning once halfway through, until cooked through and browned on both sides.
- Serve: Serve the Beef Kafta with your choice of sides, such as rice, pita bread, hummus, or a fresh salad. Garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.
Conclusion:
This Beef Kafta recipe brings together the bold flavors of Middle Eastern spices and herbs, creating a delicious, juicy, and aromatic dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether grilled or baked, kafta is a versatile meal that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Enjoy the savory and spiced goodness of kafta with family and friends!
Beef Kafta with Middle Eastern Spices
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 small yellow onion quartered
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons 7 spice a Middle Eastern spice blend
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb and Onion Mixture: In a food processor, pulse the fresh parsley and quartered onion until they are finely chopped.
- Mix the Beef and Spices: Add the ground beef to the bowl with the parsley and onion mixture. Sprinkle in the 7 spice, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything thoroughly until all the spices and herbs are evenly incorporated into the meat.
- Shape the Kafta: With your hands, form the beef mixture into long, cylindrical shapes or patties, about 4-5 inches in length and 1 inch thick. You can also shape them around skewers if grilling.
- Cook the Kafta: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the kafta skewers or patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the kafta is browned and cooked through. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the kafta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-18 minutes, turning once halfway through, until cooked through and browned on both sides.
- Serve: Serve the Beef Kafta with your choice of sides, such as rice, pita bread, hummus, or a fresh salad. Garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.