Description
A refined, aromatic kebab of seasoned ground meat shaped on skewers, perfect for grilled or broiled dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb (80/20 blend preferred; meat should be cold)
- 1 small onion, very finely grated or processed (drain excess liquid)
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (packed)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional, for garnish)
- Sumac or finely chopped mint for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the meat, grated onion, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, allspice, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix with clean hands just until combined—avoid overworking to keep the texture tender. Mini-tip: chill the bowl for 10 minutes if your kitchen is warm.
- Divide the mixture into 6–8 equal portions. Wet your palms lightly and form each portion into a cigar shape around a flat metal or soaked wooden skewer, pressing firmly for cohesion.
- Refrigerate the shaped kafta on a tray for 20–30 minutes to firm up; this helps them hold on the grill and caramelize evenly.
- Preheat a grill, grill pan, or broiler to medium-high. Brush the kafta lightly with olive oil to encourage browning.
- Grill the kafta 3–4 minutes per side, turning to develop an even char and a deep mahogany color.
- Rest the kafta 3–4 minutes off heat so juices redistribute. Serve with a spoonful of garlic yogurt, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, and a dusting of sumac or mint for brightness.
Notes
Keep the meat cold, drain grated onion to avoid a loose mix, and chop herbs finely for even distribution.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg