kafta kebobs

Kafta

Ground beef or lamb is mixed with finely chopped onions, parsley, and a blend of spices such as cumin, cinnamon, and allspice, then shaped onto skewers or into small patties. The mixture is grilled, baked, or pan-seared, allowing the spices to infuse the meat while creating a flavorful, slightly charred exterior.

During cooking, the meat stays juicy and tender while developing a browned, aromatic crust. The combination of herbs and warm spices enhances the natural richness of the meat. The preparation emphasizes careful mixing and gentle cooking to produce well-seasoned, tender kafta with a fragrant, savory flavor.

Print Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Beef
Mediterranean
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • skewers

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • ½ yellow onion, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. black pepper
  • ½ tsp. oregano
  • ½ tsp. cumin
  • ½ tsp. sumac
  • ¼ tsp. cinnamon

Instructions 

  • Grate the yellow onion and mix in a bowl with parsley and spices.
  • Add the ground beef and mix thouroughly by hand.
  • Separate ground beef mixture into 8 equal portions and shape into an patty for each serving. If grilling the kafta, form the patty around a metal or soaked wooden skewer.
  • If cooking on the stovetop, heat a cast iron skillet or griddle and grease lightly with olive oil. If cooking outside, heat the grill to 350°F.
  • Cook kafta patties on each side for approximately 5-6 minutes until the meat is done.

Notes

  • Add ½ tsp. dried mint to mix.