Kafta Meshwiyeh (Lebanese Grilled Beef and Lamb Skewers)
Local name: كفتة مشوية
In short: Ground lamb and beef kneaded with parsley, onion and allspice, shaped on skewers and grilled until browned, served with sumac onions. It takes about 42 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 42 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 315 kcal
Kafta is the Lebanese grilled minced meat kebab, a mix of lamb and beef kneaded with onion, plenty of flat-leaf parsley and warm spices such as allspice and cinnamon. Shaped around flat skewers and cooked over charcoal, it comes to the table with grilled tomatoes, a salad of sumac-dressed onions and warm bread. The parsley keeps it moist and fresh-tasting, so do not be shy with it.
Instructions
- Combine the lamb, beef, grated onion, parsley, allspice, cinnamon, pepper, salt and olive oil in a large bowl. Knead firmly for 5 minutes, until the mixture turns tacky and holds together.
- Cover and chill for 1 hour, so the meat firms up and the flavors blend.
- Heat the grill to medium-high and oil the grate. With wet hands, shape portions of about 90 g (3 oz) around flat skewers into sausages about 12 cm (5 in) long.
- Grill the skewers for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until browned and the center reaches 71°C (160°F). Grill the tomatoes alongside until blistered.
- Toss the sliced red onion with the sumac and parsley.
- Serve the kafta hot with the grilled tomatoes, sumac onions, and warm pita and tahini sauce if you like.
Tips
- Squeeze the onion dry and chop the parsley very fine so the kafta holds on the skewer. If the mixture feels loose, chill it for another 30 minutes, since cold meat sticks better.
- For baked kafta, press the mixture into a tray with sliced potatoes and tomatoes and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 35 minutes. Shaped patties can also be pan-fried for 4 minutes per side.
Questions and answers
Can I make kafta with only beef?
Yes, but keep at least 15% fat. A lamb and beef mix gives a more traditional taste and a juicier skewer.
How do I know when kafta is cooked?
It should be browned outside and reach 71°C (160°F) in the center, with clear juices.
What is the difference between kafta and kibbeh?
Kafta is simply seasoned minced meat with onion and parsley, grilled or baked. Kibbeh has bulgur worked into the meat and is baked, fried or eaten raw.
How long does it take to make Kafta Meshwiyeh (Lebanese Grilled Beef and Lamb Skewers)?
About 42 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kafta Meshwiyeh (Lebanese Grilled Beef and Lamb Skewers)?
About 315 kcal per serving, with 22 g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 315 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
