Elevate your grill game with this irresistible grilled kafta recipe. Perfectly spiced and juicy, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
For the Kafta Mixture:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or mix with lamb for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Serving (Optional):
- Warm pita bread or flatbreads
- Creamy hummus or tangy tzatziki
- Fresh sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions
- Lemon wedges for that extra zing
Instructions:
1. Mix Up the Magic:- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (and lamb if using), grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and all those amazing spices—cumin, paprika, allspice, cinnamon, pepper, and salt. Drizzle in the olive oil.
- Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until well blended, but be careful not to overmix. You want tender kafta, not tough.
- Divide the mixture into 6-8 portions. With wet hands, shape each portion into a 6-inch long log (or patties if you prefer).
- Thread the kafta onto skewers, pressing them gently to hold their shape. If using metal skewers, lightly oil them. For wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- For charcoal grills: Load up your FireForge Cooking Lump Charcoal. Light the charcoal with newspaper or a fire starter, leaving some space for air circulation. Wait until the charcoal is covered with a layer of gray ash—about 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F or 190-200°C). For gas grills, let it heat up for 10-15 minutes.
- Lightly oil the grill grates or brush the kafta with a bit of oil to keep them from sticking.
- Place the kafta on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally until nicely browned and cooked through. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Let the kafta rest for a few minutes after grilling.
- Serve with warm pita or flatbreads, hummus or tzatziki, and fresh veggies. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon for that extra burst of flavor!
Pro Tips:
- Marinate the kafta mixture for a few hours in the fridge to let the flavors deepen.
- No grill? No problem! You can also cook kafta in a grill pan or under the broiler for a delicious alternative.
Get ready for a taste sensation with this flavorful grilled kafta—packed with bold Middle Eastern spices and perfect for any gathering! 🌟🔥🥙