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Moroccan Kefta Kebab

Kefta (or kofta) is a deliciously spiced and tender type of Moroccan kebab made using ground beef or lamb. The mixture is flavored with cumin, paprika, minced onion, coriander, and parsley and formed into skewers. The cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and mint leaves are optional but highly recommended. Fresh mint makes an especially great seasoning when using ground lamb. The Spruce EatsSeasoned kefta makes a superb grilled kebab (brochette). If you don't have skewers, you can grill the kefta as flat meatballs, but they can be a little cumbersome to deal with on the grill without a support. "Moroccan kefta kebabs are traditionally served with Moroccan bread (khobz), but naan or a similar flatbread would be fine. Serve the kebabs with grilled tomatoes and onions or a salad with fresh onions and tomatoes. Couscous is a great choice for a side dish, or serve them with rice.

complex12 ingredients6 preparation steps
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (or lamb, or a combination of the two)
  • 3 ounces ground beef or lamb fat, optional
  • 1 medium onion, chopped very fine or grated
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped, optional

Preparation

  1. 1Steps to Make It
  2. 2Gather the ingredients.The Spruce Eats
  3. 3Mix1 pound ground beef (or lamb, or a combination of the two), 3 ounces ground beef or lamb fat (optional), 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped), 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional), 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves (chopped, optional)together in a large mixing bowl and cover. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or longer to allow the flavors to blend. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water.The Spruce Eats
  4. 4Preheat the grill or grill pan and prepare it for your kebabs. To make kebabs, take small amounts of kefta and shape them into cylinders or sausage shapes. Skewer the meat, squeezing it to mold it to the skewer.The Spruce Eats
  5. 5Cook over hot coals, approximately 5 minutes on each side. If you don't have a charcoal grill, the kebabs can be cooked on a gas grill or grill pan. It may take less or more time, depending on how hot the grill is and how thick you shaped the kefta. Watch the kebabs carefully so you don't dry out the meat.The Spruce Eats
  6. 6Serve immediately, or wrap in aluminum foil to keep hot while you cook additional kebabs.The Spruce Eats