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Kafta BBQ

Kafta BBQ Recipe

Rachid Yousfi
If you’re craving a flavorful, aromatic, and hearty meal that brings people together, Kafta BBQ is the perfect recipe to try. This dish, rich in spices and history, brings a taste of Lebanese tradition to your grill and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Lebanon
Servings 4 servings
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Skewers
  • Mixing bowl
  • Meat Grinder or Food Processor
  • Grill Tongs
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife for Chopping Herbs
  • Grill Brush

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 medium Onion
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley
  • 3 Cloves Garlic
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • ½ tsp Ground Allspice
  • ¼ tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 4 Wooden or Metal Skewers

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add olive oil to help bind the ingredients together, and mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed. If using lemon juice, add it now for extra brightness in flavor.
  • Shape the Kafta: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Mold each portion into an elongated shape around the skewer, pressing it down slightly so it sticks securely. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 15-20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
  • Grill the Kafta: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers with the Kafta on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the Kafta is fully cooked through and has a beautiful char on the outside. You can test the doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the Kafta from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with pita bread, hummus, tabbouleh, grilled vegetables, or any of your favorite sides.

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Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh parsley and garlic. Fresh herbs truly make a difference in the overall taste of Kafta BBQ.
  • Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the skewers. This will ensure a crisp, smoky exterior while keeping the interior juicy.
  • Moisture in the Meat: If you find the mixture a bit dry, add a teaspoon or two of water or olive oil to help the meat stick to the skewers better. The key is to avoid making it too watery, though, or it may fall apart on the grill.
  • Rest After Grilling: Let your Kafta rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender.
  • Customize the Spices: If you like it spicier, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the mixture. On the other hand, if you want a milder taste, cut back on the spices or omit them entirely for a simpler, more subtle flavor.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Kafta BBQ Recipe
Serving Size
 
150 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
290
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
20
g
31
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
9
g
Cholesterol
 
70
mg
23
%
Sodium
 
450
mg
20
%
Potassium
 
350
mg
10
%
Carbohydrates
 
6
g
2
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
25
g
50
%
Vitamin A
 
550
IU
11
%
Vitamin C
 
15
mg
18
%
Calcium
 
45
mg
5
%
Iron
 
2.5
mg
14
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Kafta BBQ
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