Description
Moroccan grilled beef kafta skewers deliver a symphony of Middle Eastern spices and aromatic herbs. Juicy, seasoned ground beef mingles with fresh parsley, cumin, and cinnamon, promising a delicious journey through traditional North African cuisine you won’t soon forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 600 grams (1.32 pounds) lean ground beef
Fresh Herbs and Aromatics:
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 1 cup fresh parsley, washed and patted dry
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon seven spice blend
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more to taste
Instructions
- Finely mince the onion quarters and fresh parsley using a food processor until they form a uniform, delicate mixture.
- Transfer the processed herbs and onion into a spacious mixing bowl, incorporating ground beef and an aromatic blend of traditional Middle Eastern spices.
- Gently knead the ingredients with clean hands, ensuring even distribution of flavors and a consistent texture throughout the meat mixture.
- Carefully shape small, uniform portions of the seasoned meat around metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers, creating elongated cylinders approximately 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 centimeters) thick.
- Prepare the grill by heating it to medium-high temperature (375-400 degrees Fahrenheit or 190-204 degrees Celsius), lightly brushing the grates with olive oil to prevent adhesion.
- Strategically place the prepared kafta skewers onto the preheated grill, allowing them to sear and develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Cook the first side for 3-5 minutes, monitoring for a deep golden-brown coloration and visible grill marks.
- Carefully rotate the skewers to cook the alternate side, continuing grilling for an additional 3-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
- Remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for 2-3 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring optimal tenderness.
Notes
- Prep these skewers ahead of time and refrigerate for enhanced flavor melding, allowing spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Wet your hands slightly when shaping meat around skewers to prevent sticky mixture from clinging to your fingers.
- Select ground beef with moderate fat content (80/20 ratio) to ensure juicy and tender kafta that won’t dry out during grilling.
- Consider using metal skewers for easier handling and more even heat distribution compared to wooden alternatives.
- When testing doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F using a reliable meat thermometer for food safety.
- Serve immediately after grilling to maintain optimal texture and temperature, pairing with fresh pita bread or herbed rice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 236 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg