Ingredients
For the Kafta:
- 8 bamboo or metal skewers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup finely minced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper
For Serving:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
For Serving Bowl Style:
- 4 mini cucumbers, sliced lengthwise or crosswise
- ½ red onion, sliced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups prepared white or brown rice
- Pita bread for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the skewers: If using disposable wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill for direct grilling over medium-high heat to ensure a hot cooking surface for the kafta.
- Mix the kafta: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, finely minced yellow onion, dried parsley, ground coriander, ground cumin, allspice, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the kafta: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Take each portion and mold it around a skewer to form a log approximately 3 to 4 inches long.
- Grill the kafta: Place the skewers directly on the preheated grill. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning as needed, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meat is cooked through.
- Prepare the yogurt sauce: While the kafta grills, combine lemon juice, Greek yogurt, grated lemon zest, dried oregano, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Serve: Serve the grilled kafta with the yogurt sauce, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. For a bowl-style meal, toss sliced cucumbers, red onions, grape tomatoes, and olive oil in a medium bowl. Divide cooked rice into 4 bowls, top each with the vegetable mixture, grilled kafta, and yogurt sauce. Optionally serve with warm pita bread and additional lemon wedges.
Notes
- Soaking wooden or bamboo skewers before grilling prevents them from burning.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the kafta reaches 160°F for safe consumption of ground beef.
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges enhance the flavor but are optional.
- Rice can be white or brown depending on preference.
- Adjust spices to taste for more or less heat and aroma.
- Using metal skewers eliminates the need to soak them before grilling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Halal
