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Baked Middle Eastern Kafta Skewers Recipe

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3.8 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 15 servings
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This flavorful Kafta recipe features spiced ground beef mixed with fresh herbs and a blend of aromatic spices, shaped onto wooden spoons, and baked to perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings, these Middle Eastern-style meat skewers are juicy, tender, and packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Meat Mixture

  • 1 1/3 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 bunch parsley
  • 3 teaspoons 7 spice blend
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon sumac
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander

For Shaping

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for shaping)

Instructions

  1. Process Aromatics: In a food processor, place the chopped onions and garlic cloves, then process until finely chopped to ensure even mixing and release of flavors.
  2. Add Spices: Add the 7 spice blend, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), cinnamon, cumin, sumac, and coriander to the processed onion and garlic, then pulse briefly to combine.
  3. Mix Meat and Herbs: Add the ground beef and chopped parsley to the mixture and blend until it forms a soft, cohesive ball, indicating the ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place one rack in the middle position and another in the upper third of the oven for even baking.
  5. Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  6. Moisten for Shaping: Moisten the handle of a wooden spoon or chopstick and the palm of your dominant hand with olive oil to prevent the mixture from sticking.
  7. Shape Kafta: Hold the oiled spoon with your dry hand, take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture in your other hand, and press it evenly around the handle to form the Kafta shapes.
  8. Transfer to Tray: Gently slide the shaped Kafta off the handle onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them evenly.
  9. Repeat Shaping: Continue the shaping process with the remaining meat mixture until all Kafta are formed and placed on the tray.
  10. Bake Covered: Cover the baking tray loosely with aluminum foil and bake on the middle rack of the oven for 10 minutes to allow the meat to cook gently without drying out.
  11. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and transfer the tray to the upper rack; bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to brown and crisp the exterior of the Kafta.

Notes

  • Using lean ground beef ensures the Kafta is tender without excessive grease.
  • The 7 spice blend can be purchased pre-made or replaced with a mix of ground allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
  • Moistening your hands and shaping utensils with olive oil prevents the meat mixture from sticking and makes shaping easier.
  • Optional cayenne pepper adds heat but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
  • Serve Kafta with pita bread, yogurt sauce, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/baked-middle-eastern-kafta-skewers-recipe/