Kofta or Kafta (as the Lebanese say)... is one of my favorite middle eastern meat dishes! What is Kafta? Kafta is a middle eastern meatball using beef, lamb or chicken! Traditionally, it is mixed with Middle Eastern spices, parsely, onions and allspice. It is served on pita bread, on rice or with hummus and a salad for a healthier option.
This recipe was inspired by many family gatherings to grill, and eat many delicious foods together. It can be served with my homemade tahini recipe and also pairs well with my Mediterranean Chimichurri recipe on this site.
Ingredients
- ground beef
- red onion
- parsley
- cilantro
- mint
- allspice
- cayenne pepper (optional)
- garlic
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- lemon
- Pita bread for serving
See recipe below for quantities.
Hint: add a twist by sprinkling some cayenne pepper to give your kafta a zing!
Baked Kafta
How to make Middle Eastern Meatballs aka Kafta?
Ingredients
- 1 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 1/2 cup parsley chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
- 2-3 sprigs mint chopped
- 1 tbsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 2 garlic minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt & pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2 lemon squeezed
- 2-3 loaves pita bread
Twist
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, red onion, parsley, cilantro, mint, allspice, garlic, salt and pepper, olive oil, and squeeze a half lemon on top! With clean hands (or I like to use food grade gloves) kneed together until everything is combined.
- Take a small portion of the mix, and push and roll together in hand to create oblong shaped meatballs. Arrange the patties into approx 2 inch pieces. This portioning makes about 12 pieces. Place them about 1 inch apart on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. You can use 2 baking sheets if necessary.
- Bake in oven at 425 degrees for about 25 minutes or until the kefta patties are well-browned on top, and fully cooked on the inside.
- Add 1 or 2 patties in 1/2 a loaf of pita bread, add tomatoes or cucumbers, and top with your favorite sauce! We highly recommend our homemade tahini or Mediterranean Style Chimichurri recipe! Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Rose Chamaa says
Try this recipe for a quick version of the traditional kafta (that I knead with my hands), instead of using a food processor!