Sheftalia (Cypriot Grilled Pork Parcels)
Local name: Σεφταλιά / Şeftali kebabı
In short: Seasoned minced pork with onion and parsley wrapped in caul fat, grilled until the casing turns crisp and the inside stays juicy. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 700 kcal
Sheftalia are small parcels of minced pork, onion and parsley wrapped in caul fat, the thin lacy membrane from a pig. On the grill the fat melts and bastes the meat, leaving a crisp golden wrapper around a juicy center. Turkish Cypriots call them şeftali kebabı, and both communities serve them at barbecues and meze tables, usually in pita with tomato and onion. If caul fat is hard to find, the same mixture makes excellent patties.
Instructions
- Drain the soaked caul fat gently and spread it on a clean board. Cut it into 16 squares of about 10 cm (4 in).
- Mix the pork, grated onion, parsley, mint, salt and pepper in a bowl and knead for 2 minutes, until the mixture holds together. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
- Divide the mixture into 16 portions of about 45 g (1 1/2 oz) and roll each into a short sausage about 7 cm (3 in) long.
- Set a sausage on a square of caul fat, wrap it snugly and place it seam side down. Repeat with the rest.
- Thread 2 or 3 parcels onto each skewer, or set them directly on the grill.
- Grill over medium-hot coals for 10 to 12 minutes, turning often, until crisp and deeply golden and cooked through to 71°C (160°F).
- Serve hot in warm pita with tomato, onion, parsley and lemon wedges.
Tips
- No caul fat? Shape the mixture into small patties or sausages and cook them the same way. A tablespoon of olive oil in the mix keeps them moist.
- Squeeze the grated onion dry in a clean towel. Wet onion makes the mixture too loose to wrap.
Questions and answers
Where can I buy caul fat for sheftalia?
Ask a butcher, who may need to order it, or look in Greek, Middle Eastern or French grocery stores. It is sold fresh or frozen and keeps well in the freezer.
Can I freeze sheftalia?
Yes. Freeze the wrapped, uncooked parcels on a tray, then bag them for up to 2 months. Grill from frozen over lower heat for a few extra minutes.
Are sheftalia the same as kebabs?
They are grilled minced meat, but sheftalia are wrapped in caul fat and seasoned only with onion, herbs, salt and pepper, so they taste of pork and charcoal.
How long does it take to make Sheftalia (Cypriot Grilled Pork Parcels)?
About 45 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Sheftalia (Cypriot Grilled Pork Parcels)?
About 700 kcal per serving, with 34 g of protein, 58 g of carbohydrates and 36 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 700 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 36 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 1250 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
