Spiced Kafta Skewers with Herb Dip
Indulge in the savory flavors of Spiced Kafta Skewers, a delicious twist on traditional meatball Shish Kabobs. These juicy and aromatic skewers are made from a blend of ground beef, fresh herbs, and warm spices, then grilled to perfection. Served with a refreshing herb dip, these skewers make for an irresistible appetizer or main dish, perfect for gatherings or a family dinner. Share the joy of cooking and celebrate the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with this delightful recipe!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1.5 lbs (Raw)
Onion
1 medium (Grated)
Fresh Parsley
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Cayenne Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Powdered)
Ground Allspice
1/4 teaspoon (Powdered)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Adjust to taste)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking wooden skewers in warm water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, chopped parsley, cayenne pepper, ground allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Take one portion and mold it around one end of a skewer, forming a log shape approximately 1 inch thick and 6 inches long. Repeat for the remaining portions.
4
Preheat your grill to high heat. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill.
5
Grill the kafta skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The skewers are done when they are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6
Serve hot with a refreshing herb dip or yogurt sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Kafta Skewers?
Spiced Kafta Skewers are a Middle Eastern-inspired dish made from a blend of ground beef, fresh herbs, and warm spices shaped into logs on skewers and grilled.
What type of meat is used in this Kafta recipe?
This recipe uses 1.5 lbs of ground beef as the primary protein.
How should the onion be prepared for the Kafta mixture?
The recipe calls for one medium onion that should be grated to integrate smoothly into the meat mixture.
Which spices are included in the seasoning?
The seasoning includes cayenne pepper, ground allspice, salt, and black pepper.
How long do I need to soak the wooden skewers?
You should soak wooden skewers in warm water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Why is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers?
Soaking the skewers prevents them from burning or catching fire when placed on the high-heat grill.
How many servings does this Kafta recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What is the recommended size for each Kafta skewer?
Each portion should be molded into a log shape approximately 1 inch thick and 6 inches long.
What is the best way to mix the Kafta ingredients?
It is recommended to mix the ground beef, onions, herbs, and spices thoroughly with your hands until well incorporated.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The grill should be preheated to high heat before adding the skewers.
How long do the skewers need to cook on the grill?
The skewers should be grilled for 10 to 15 minutes.
How often should I turn the skewers while grilling?
You should turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
What is the target internal temperature for cooked Kafta?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure the beef is cooked through.
What should I serve with Spiced Kafta Skewers?
They are best served with a refreshing herb dip or a yogurt-based sauce for dipping.
Can I use fresh parsley in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
The recipe contains 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which provides a mild kick, but it can be adjusted to your preference.
Can these skewers be served as an appetizer?
Yes, they are versatile enough to be served as an irresistible appetizer or as a main dish.
What culture does this recipe draw inspiration from?
This recipe celebrates the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: ground beef, onion, parsley, cayenne, allspice, salt, and black pepper.
What does ground allspice add to the dish?
Ground allspice provides a warm, aromatic flavor profile characteristic of traditional Kafta.
Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?
Yes, metal skewers can be used and do not require the 30-minute soaking period.
Is it okay to adjust the salt?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt but notes you should adjust to your specific taste.
How should I shape the meat onto the skewer?
Take one portion of the meat and mold it around one end of the skewer into a long log shape.
How do I know the Kafta is finished cooking?
They are done when they are well-browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
What type of onion is best?
A medium yellow or white onion works best for grating into the beef mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for a BBQ?
Absolutely, it is specifically tagged as a BBQ recipe and is perfect for outdoor grilling.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
While the recipe calls for beef, ground lamb is a common traditional substitute for Kafta.
Should the parsley be finely chopped?
Yes, chopping the parsley helps it distribute evenly throughout the meat mixture.
How do I prevent the meat from falling off the skewer?
Ensuring the meat is well-mixed and molded firmly around the skewer helps it stay in place during grilling.
Are these skewers gluten-free?
Based on the listed ingredients (meat, vegetables, and spices), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.