Kefta or Kofta is a type of Moroccan Kebab that will add some excitement to your dinner menu. It’s a 30-minute savory dish came from the Middle East, made using ground Beef or lamb. It’s a delicious dish with a flavorful combination of spices and herbs like cumin, paprika, minced onion, coriander and parsley.
The mixture is formed into small meatballs or patties, then cooked by grilling or in a skillet. It’s a versatile dish you can serve as an appetizer or even a main course.
Today I am using the grilled method because I like grilled meat the most, and I hope you will also like it.
What is Kefta or Kofta?
In the Lebanese language, it is known as Kefta or Kofta; in the Middle East, it is called Kofta. It is ground meat, usually from lamb or Beef and sometimes chicken. This meat is then seasoned with spices and herbs, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish. (Also Check for Pork Rib Country Style)
It is a rich aromatic flavor dish, I like eating with rice, flatbread, salad or a sandwich. Kefta is popular in Turkey, Morocco, Lebanon and Egypt.
Ingredients Required
Ground Beef: I used Ground beef for this recipe; you can also use lamb or mutton. Before buying the meat, ensure it has a high-fat content and is 80% lean. It helps to make kofta kebab more tender and juicy.
Onion: Add them to the mixture as it moisturizes the meat and provides a sweet and intense flavor. It helps to keep the Kefta or Kofta dry and crumbled.
Paprika: Kafta can be enhanced with a sweet and smoky flavor, as well as a vibrant red color, by using dried red peppers.
Cumin: it’s my favorite because it adds a warm and earthy flavor to the meat.
Salt and Pepper: Like all other dishes, it’s an essential seasoning that enhances and balances out other spices.
Cayenne Pepper: It’s a type of chili pepper that I like to add to all my recipes.
Parsley and Cilantro: These fresh herbs add brightness and depth of flavor. You can easily get it from the store.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Kefta?
- Take a large bowl
- Combine all the ingredients like ground beef, cumin, salt, black pepper, onion, paprika, parsley, cilantro and cayenne pepper.
- Mix them with your hand because it will combine all the mixture evenly.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. It will help to blend all the flavors.
- Preheat the grill pan and drizzle it with some oil.
- Shape the meat into kebab form with your hands. Pass a grilling stick between it.
- To avoid overcooking and burning, cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Serve it hot with rice and salad!
What to serve with Kefta?
There are many options to serve with kofta. The first is with white or brown rice. A bed of fluffy rice with Kebab on top will surprise your taste buds.
Another option is a flatbread like a pita, naan or lavash. It also tastes astonishing.
The fresh and crunchy salad makes a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory Kofta.
Additional Tips For Kefta
- Chopped onion also works well, but I used a small grated onion as it releases more juice and becomes more crunchy.
- To combine all the ingredients well together, you can also grind them in the grinder. It will blend all the ingredients well that taste more flavorful.
How to store it?
To store the leftovers, place them in an airtight container or sealable bag and refrigerate for a maximum of four days.
For reheating, you can use a microwave or oven.
If you want to freeze the uncooked Kofta mixture:
- Shape it in meatball form in a single layer on a baking sheet for later use.
- Place the frozen in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for long-term storage in the freezer (up to two to three months).
- Cook the Kofta directly from frozen by defrosting them in the fridge overnight and then cooking them as directed.
FAQs
Can we substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for Kofta?
For a leaner and more nutritious take on Kofta, try substituting ground chicken or turkey for the Beef. However, it’s important to remember that turkey meatballs might not be as juicy or tasty as Beef.
Can I make Kofta in a tomato-based sauce?
Whether Moroccan tagine or Middle Eastern meatball stew, Kofta works excellently in a tomato-based sauce. The meatballs must only be browned in a frying or grilling pan before being added to the sauce and allowed to simmer on low heat until thoroughly cooked and soft.
Moroccan Kefta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground or lamb
- 1 medium onion
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Take a large bowl
- Combine all the ingredients like ground beef, cumin, salt, black pepper, onion, paprika, parsley, cilantro and cayenne pepper.
- Mix them with your hand because it will combine all the mixture evenly.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. It will help to blend all the flavors.
- Preheat the grill pan and drizzle it with some oil.
- Shape the meat in kebab form with your hands. Pass a grilling stick between it.
- To avoid overcooking and burning, cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Serve it hot with rice and salad!
