How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the kafta mixture and mint sauce a day in advance and cook the skewers just before serving.

What can I substitute for lamb?

You can use all beef or substitute with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.

Can these be cooked without a grill?

Yes, you can cook them in a hot skillet or under a broiler.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Substitute the Greek yogurt with a non-dairy yogurt option for the sauce.

Zesty Lebanese Kafta with Minted Yogurt Sauce

Name: Zesty Lebanese Kafta with Minted Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Ground beef; Ground lamb; Onion, grated; Garlic, minced; Fresh parsley, finely chopped; Ground cumin; Ground coriander; Ground cinnamon; Salt and pepper to taste; Plain Greek yogurt; Fresh mint leaves, finely chopped; Lemon juice; Salt to taste; Cucumber, grated and drained; Lemon wedges; Fresh parsley leaves

Flavorful beef and lamb meat skewers with a refreshing cooling dip

Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of Lebanon with this easy-to-make kafta recipe, served alongside a refreshing minted yogurt sauce.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Kafta

Ground beef

250g

Ground lamb

250g

Onion, grated

1 medium

Garlic, minced

2 cloves

Fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup

Ground cumin

1 tsp

Ground coriander

1 tsp

Ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Minted Yogurt Sauce

Plain Greek yogurt

1 cup

Fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

1/4 cup

Lemon juice

1 tbsp

Salt to taste

Cucumber, grated and drained

1 small

For the Garnish

Lemon wedges

Fresh parsley leaves

Preparation

Marinating the Kafta

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, grated onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

Mix thoroughly

Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for flavors to meld.

Allow the kafta to marinate for at least an hour to develop deep and complex flavors.

Preparing the Minted Yogurt Sauce

Whisk ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mint leaves, lemon juice, and salt.

For an enhanced mint flavor, bruise the mint leaves before chopping.

Add cucumber

Add the grated cucumber, mixing until well combined.

Ensure the cucumber is well-drained to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

Chill

Chill the sauce until ready to use.

Cooking Process

Grill Kafta

Preheat your grill on medium-high heat, shape the meat mixture onto skewers and grill until cooked through, turning occasionally.

Serve Sauce

Place a serving of the minted yogurt sauce in a small dish for each guest.

Garnish

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the plated dish for a pop of color.

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness.

Plating & Serving