Moroccan Kefta Kebabs (Grilled Spiced Meat Skewers)
Local name: كفتة مشوية
In short: Minced lamb and beef mixed with parsley, cilantro, cumin and paprika, molded onto skewers and grilled until juicy and lightly charred. It takes about 37 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 37 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 380 kcal
Kefta kebabs are the street food Moroccans smell before they see: charcoal smoke, cumin and sizzling meat drifting from a stall in the evening. The mix is simple, just minced meat, grated onion, parsley, cilantro and a few spices, but the ratio of fat and the kneading matter. Grilled hot and fast, the skewers come off juicy. Tuck them in bread with tomato and onion, or serve them with a salad.
Instructions
- Mix the meat, onion, herbs, garlic, spices, salt and pepper in a bowl. Knead for 2 minutes, until the mixture turns sticky and holds together. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high, or let charcoal burn until covered in gray ash. Oil the grate lightly.
- Divide the mixture into 8 portions. With wet hands, press each portion around a skewer into a sausage shape about 12 cm (5 in) long.
- Brush with oil and grill for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until browned all over and cooked through (71°C / 160°F in the center).
- Rest for 3 minutes. Serve hot with flatbread, sliced tomato and onion, and a pinch of cumin and salt.
Tips
- No skewers? Shape the mixture into short, thick patties or finger-shaped logs and cook them the same way, or pan-fry them in a heavy skillet.
- Fat keeps kefta juicy. If your meat is lean, work in 2 tbsp of olive oil or use a mix of lamb and beef.
Questions and answers
How do I stop kefta falling off the skewer?
Chill the mixture for 30 minutes, squeeze out the onion juice and knead well so the meat turns sticky. Press it firmly around flat skewers, which hold better than round ones.
Can I make kefta kebabs in the oven?
Yes. Place the skewers on a rack over a tray and cook at 230°C (450°F) for about 12 minutes, turning once, until browned and 71°C (160°F) in the center.
Can I freeze kefta?
Yes, raw or cooked. Freeze shaped skewers on a tray, then bag them for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen with a few extra minutes and check that the center reaches 71°C (160°F).
How long does it take to make Moroccan Kefta Kebabs (Grilled Spiced Meat Skewers)?
About 37 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Moroccan Kefta Kebabs (Grilled Spiced Meat Skewers)?
About 380 kcal per serving, with 28 g of protein, 4 g of carbohydrates and 28 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 380 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
