Main Course · Dinner · Middle Eastern ·

Fragrant Lebanese Kafta Kebabs with Pine Nut Sauce

Name: Fragrant Lebanese Kafta Kebabs with Pine Nut Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Ground lamb, 1 lb; Onion, finely chopped, 1 small; Parsley, finely chopped, 1/4 cup; Garlic, minced, 2 cloves; Ground cumin, 1 tsp; Ground allspice, 1/2 tsp; Cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp; Salt and pepper, to taste; Pine nuts, 1/2 cup; Greek yogurt, 1 cup; Tahini, 2 tbsp; Garlic, minced, 1 clove; Lemon juice, Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper, to taste; Cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 cup; Cucumber, diced, 1/2; Red onion, thinly sliced, 1/4; Olive oil, 2 tbsp; Lemon juice, 1 tbsp; Salt and pepper, to taste; Pita bread, 4 pieces; Olive oil, for brushing; Za'atar spice blend, for sprinkling

These Lebanese Kafta Kebabs are a delightful blend of fragrant spices and tender lamb, perfectly paired with a rich pine nut sauce for a taste of the Middle East.

4(822 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 1, 2025

Fragrant Lebanese Kafta Kebabs with Pine Nut Sauce — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Kafta Kebabs

For the Pine Nut Sauce

For the Salad

For the Pita Bread

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 781 kcal
Protein: 32.1 g
Carbs: 48.9 g
Fat: 51.4 g
Fiber: 5.3 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3125 kcal
Protein: 128.3 g
Carbs: 195.5 g
Fat: 205.6 g
Fiber: 21.1 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Ground lamb 1 lb	1160	80	0	92	0
Onion, finely chopped 1 small	30	1	7	0	1
Parsley, finely chopped 1/4 cup	4	0.4	0.7	0.1	0.3
Garlic, minced 2 cloves	8	0.3	1.8	0	0.1
Ground cumin 1 tsp	8	0.4	1	0.5	0.6
Ground allspice 1/2 tsp	3	0.1	0.8	0.1	0.4
Cayenne pepper 1/4 tsp	1	0.1	0.3	0.1	0.2
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Pine nuts 1/2 cup	454	9	9	45.5	5
Greek yogurt 1 cup	120	10	8	5	0
Tahini 2 tbsp	178	5	6	16	2.5
Garlic, minced 1 clove	4	0.2	0.9	0	0.1
Lemon juice Juice of 1 lemon	12	0.2	4	0	0.1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup	25	1	6	0.3	2
Cucumber, diced 1/2	8	0.3	1.5	0.1	0.3
Red onion, thinly sliced 1/4	11	0.3	2.5	0	0.5
Olive oil 2 tbsp	240	0	0	27	0
Lemon juice 1 tbsp	4	0	1	0	0
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Pita bread 4 pieces	680	20	134	4	8
Olive oil for brushing	120	0	0	14	0
Za'atar spice blend for sprinkling	10	0.5	2	0.5	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Kafta Mixture

1
Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, allspice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2
Mix thoroughly
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
Shape into logs
Shape the mixture into 8 sausage-like logs and insert skewers if using.
Tip: Ensure kebabs are evenly shaped for consistent cooking. For extra flavor, marinate the kebabs overnight.

Making the Pine Nut Sauce

1
Toast pine nuts
Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden, about 3 minutes, then allow to cool.
2
Combine sauce ingredients
In a bowl, combine yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3
Stir in pine nuts
Stir in the toasted pine nuts.

How to Make Fragrant Lebanese Kafta Kebabs with Pine Nut Sauce

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Grilling the Kebabs
Preheat the grill on medium-high and cook the kebabs for about 4-5 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
2
Preparing the Salad
Toss the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3
Heating the Pita
Brush pita bread with olive oil and sprinkle with za'atar. Warm on the grill for about 1-2 minutes per side.