Main Course · Dinner · Middle Eastern ·

Spiced Middle Eastern Kafta with Garlic Sauce

Name: Spiced Middle Eastern Kafta with Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 250g ground lamb; 250g ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground allspice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup plain yogurt; 4 cloves garlic, crushed; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Salt, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Warm pita bread; Fresh tomato slices; Red onion slices

This classic Middle Eastern dish features succulent, spiced kafta prepared with ground beef and lamb, complete with a rich, creamy garlic sauce that complements it perfectly.

4.4(738 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 21, 2025

Spiced Middle Eastern Kafta with Garlic Sauce — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Kafta

For the Garlic Sauce

For the Serving

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 490 kcal
Protein: 24.5 g
Carbs: 20.25 g
Fat: 34.25 g
Fiber: 2.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1960 kcal
Protein: 98 g
Carbs: 81 g
Fat: 137 g
Fiber: 10 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
250g ground lamb	676	29	0	61	0
250g ground beef	685	50	0	52	0
1 medium onion finely chopped	44	1	10	0	2
1 cup fresh parsley chopped	22	2	4	0	2
3 cloves garlic minced	13	1	3	0	0
1 teaspoon ground cumin	8	0	1	0	1
1 teaspoon ground coriander	5	0	1	0	1
1 teaspoon ground allspice	6	0	1	0	1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup plain yogurt	149	8	11	8	0
4 cloves garlic crushed	18	1	4	0	0
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice	8	0	2	0	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1 tablespoon olive oil	119	0	0	14	0
Warm pita bread	170	5	35	2	2
Fresh tomato slices	22	1	5	0	1
Red onion slices	15	0	4	0	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Kafta

1
Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, ground beef, onion, parsley, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, and allspice.
2
Season and mix
Season with salt and pepper, and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Tip: Ensure all excess moisture is absorbed from the ingredients to help the kafta hold its shape.
3
Refrigerate
Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Preparing the Garlic Sauce

1
Mix base ingredients
In a bowl, combine the yogurt, crushed garlic, and lemon juice.
2
Emulsify
Whisk in the olive oil until smooth.
3
Season and chill
Season with salt according to taste, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

How to Make Spiced Middle Eastern Kafta with Garlic Sauce

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Forming the Skewers
Remove the kafta mixture from the refrigerator and divide it into equal portions. Form each portion around a skewer, pressing firmly.
2
Grilling
Preheat the grill on medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
3
Resting
Allow the kafta to rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow juices to distribute evenly.