Lebanese Kafta With Yogurt Sauce
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Lebanese Kafta with Yogurt Sauce is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings big flavors to your table. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, with ingredients that pack a punch.
- Flavorful and Juicy: The kafta is perfectly spiced and stays tender, while the yogurt sauce adds a cool, creamy contrast.
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights but fancy enough for guests.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, pita, or a fresh salad—it’s a meal that adapts to whatever you’re craving.
Recipe
Lebanese Kafta with Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines spiced ground meat with a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce. This traditional recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, offering a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Ingredients:
For the Kafta:
- 500g ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into small, elongated patties or skewer them onto wooden sticks if preferred.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the kafta for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- For the yogurt sauce, combine yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, mint, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve the kafta hot, accompanied by the yogurt sauce and your choice of rice, pita bread, or salad.
Notes:
- For a lighter option, you can use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef or lamb.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
This Lebanese Kafta with Yogurt Sauce is a flavorful and nutritious dish. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving Lebanese kafta with warm pita bread and a crisp cucumber-tomato salad—it’s the perfect combo of textures and flavors. For drinks, I usually go for mint lemonade or a chilled glass of arak if I’m feeling fancy. Trust me, these pairings make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight from the star dish.
Side Dishes
Pairing Lebanese kafta with the right side dishes can turn a simple meal into something truly special. I love serving it with grilled vegetables—zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers—charred just enough to bring out their sweetness. A tangy lentil salad, tossed with lemon and herbs, adds a revitalizing crunch that balances the rich, spiced meat. Sometimes, I’ll throw in warm pita bread or fluffy rice for extra comfort. These sides not only complement the kafta’s flavors but also make the meal feel complete. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never go back to plain old sides again!
Beverage Pairings
A crisp, chilled glass of Lebanese white wine or a light, citrusy beer can elevate the bold flavors of kafta without overpowering them. I love pairing this dish with traditional drinks like arak, an anise-flavored spirit that complements the spices beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, try a revitalizing mint lemonade or a glass of tamarind juice—both balance the richness of the yogurt sauce. These flavor combinations create a harmony that makes every bite and sip feel like a celebration. Trust me, the right drink can turn a simple meal into something truly special, so don’t skip this step!
