Discover the ultimate Kefta recipe, featuring spiced ground beef or lamb molded into flavorful patties or skewers. Perfect for grilling, this dish combines aromatic spices with tender meat for a mouthwatering experience. Ideal for family gatherings or BBQs, learn how to make this Middle Eastern classic with our easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients:

- 500 grams ground beef or lamb

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

- Salt and black pepper, to taste

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- Wooden skewers (if grilling)

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Mixture:

  - In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, and cilantro.

  - Add the cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Shape the Kefta:

  - For patties: Divide the mixture into 8-10 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.

  - For skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. Divide the mixture into 8-10 portions and mold each portion around a skewer, pressing firmly to ensure it sticks.

Preheat the Grill:

  - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Grill the Kefta:

  - Place the patties or skewers on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the meat is fully cooked and has a nice char.

Serve:

  - Remove from the grill and let the Kefta rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with pita bread, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

- For added flavor, you can marinate the Kefta in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before grilling.

- Serve with tzatziki or a yogurt-based sauce for a refreshing complement.

Enjoy this flavorful Kefta recipe at your next meal!

Nutritional values

Here’s the nutritional information and benefits for the ingredients used in this dish:

500 grams ground beef or lamb

 - Calories: Approximately 1,200 kcal

 - Protein: 85g

 - Fat: 95g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

 - Rich in protein, iron, and essential vitamins like B12. Supports muscle growth and overall energy.

1 onion, finely chopped

 - Calories: Approximately 45 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

 - Sugars: 5g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants, vitamins C and B6. Supports heart health and has anti-inflammatory effects.

2 cloves garlic, minced

 - Calories: Approximately 27 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

 - Calories: Approximately 1 kcal per tablespoon

 - Carbohydrates: 0.3g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Provides vitamins A, C, and K. Adds antioxidants and supports digestion.

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

 - Calories: Approximately 1 kcal per tablespoon

 - Carbohydrates: 0.1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains vitamins A, C, and K. Supports digestion and provides antioxidants.

1 teaspoon ground cumin

 - Calories: Approximately 8 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.4g

 - Fat: 0.4g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and provides antioxidants and vitamins. Aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

1 teaspoon ground coriander

 - Calories: Approximately 3 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.15g

 - Fat: 0.15g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and has digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.

1/2 teaspoon paprika

 - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits:

 - Adds smoky flavor and provides antioxidants, including vitamin A.

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 - Calories: Approximately 3 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Supports metabolic health.

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

 - Calories: Approximately 2 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Adds warm flavor and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Salt and black pepper, to taste

 - Calories: Negligible

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake and balance flavor.

2 tablespoons olive oil

 - Calories: Approximately 240 kcal

 - Fat: 27g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Supports heart health and reduces inflammation.

Wooden skewers (if grilling)

 - Calories: Negligible

Benefits:

 - Used to hold the meat together during grilling. No direct nutritional benefits.