Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Lebanon with this authentic Kofta Kebab recipe. These succulent grilled skewers, bursting with aromatic spices and tender ground lamb, are a cornerstone of Lebanese cuisine. Forget dry, bland kebabs; this recipe delivers a symphony of flavors, expertly balancing the richness of the meat with the bright freshness of herbs and the subtle tang of lemon. The perfectly seasoned kofta is juicy and flavorful, a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Lebanese cooking.
Prepare to be amazed by the ease and deliciousness of this recipe. From expertly preparing the flavorful meat mixture to achieving perfectly charred kebabs, this guide will walk you through each step, ensuring your kofta kebabs are restaurant-quality. Let's embark on this culinary journey and discover the secrets to creating unforgettable Lebanese Kofta Kebabs.
Tools Needed
- Bowl
- Knife
- Skewers (long, thin metal skewers recommended)
- Grill
Ingredients
- Ground lamb (minced lamb): 1 kg
- Brown onion: 1 medium
- Fresh mint: a handful
- Salt: 1 heap teaspoon
- Red sumac: 1 tablespoon
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Ground cumin: ½ teaspoon
- Sweet paprika: ½ teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
- Ground cardamom: ½ teaspoon
- Crushed garlic cloves: 2-3
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Kofta Mixture
- Finely dice one medium brown onion.
- Finely chop a handful of fresh mint (or parsley).
- Combine the diced onion and chopped mint in a bowl.
- Add salt, red sumac, black pepper, ground cumin, sweet paprika, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and crushed garlic to the bowl.
- Add one tablespoon of olive oil and mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Break up the 1kg of ground lamb and add it to the bowl with the other ingredients.
- Mix the ground lamb and the mixture thoroughly until well combined.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or preferably overnight.
Step 2. Shape and Prepare the Kebabs
- Take a handful of the meat mixture and shape it into a long cylinder.
- Insert a skewer through the center of the cylinder.
- Using your whole hand, push down firmly on the meat to compact it onto the skewer.
- Repeat steps 9-11 until all the meat mixture is used.
Step 3. Grill the Kebabs
- Place the skewers on a medium to high heat grill.
- Flip the skewers every 30 seconds for about 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
Step 4. Serve
- Push the cooked kebabs off the skewers.
- Sprinkle with red sumac and serve.
Tips
- If you don't like mint, you can use parsley instead.
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavors.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use ground beef instead of lamb for the Kofta Kebabs?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for lamb, but the flavor will be different. Lamb provides a richer, more gamey taste. If using beef, consider adding a bit more of the spices to compensate.
2. How do I prevent the kebabs from sticking to the grill?
Soak your skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the kofta mixture onto them. This helps prevent sticking. Also, make sure your grill is well-oiled before cooking.
With their juicy texture and explosion of flavor, these Lebanese Kofta Kebabs are sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the satisfying results of your culinary adventure, and don't hesitate to experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize your kebabs. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound kebab-making skills!