Description
These Lebanese Kafta Kabobs are juicy, oven-baked ground beef skewers seasoned with traditional Middle Eastern spices. Served with a refreshing cucumber-mint yogurt sauce, they make a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Kafta Kabobs
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93%) or ground lamb
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped and drained
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Yogurt Sauce
- ½ cup plain low-fat yogurt
- ¼ cup shredded cucumber, drained and patted dry
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top to allow heat circulation and even cooking.
- Prepare the Kafta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with finely chopped yellow onion, parsley, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, allspice, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, careful not to overwork the meat to keep it tender.
- Shape the Kabobs: Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions. Take each portion and shape it into an oblong form around skewers, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Bake the Kabobs: Arrange the skewered kafta kabobs on the prepared wire rack over the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Make the Yogurt Sauce: While the kabobs are baking, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing together the plain low-fat yogurt, shredded cucumber, finely chopped fresh mint, lemon juice, minced garlic, and seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and chill if desired.
- Serve: Remove the kafta kabobs from the oven and serve them warm alongside the refreshing cucumber-mint yogurt sauce. They pair wonderfully with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a more authentic flavor, you can substitute beef with ground lamb.
- Drain and pat dry the chopped onion and cucumber thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the kabobs and sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the kabobs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- You can prepare the yogurt sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it to enhance the flavors.
- Serving the kabobs with warm pita and fresh veggies enhances the overall experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Lebanese
