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beef kafta in a pita bread with tzatziki sauce

Beef Kafta

Beef Kafta combines ground beef with warm Mediterranean spices for a mouthwatering dinner that's great on its own or in a pita sandwich!
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

For the kafta:

  • 2 slices white sandwich bread
  • About ½ cup water
  • 2 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion (grated)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced or grated)
  • ½ cup chopped parsley
  • 1 Tablespoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 2 eggs (lightly beaten)

To serve:

  • Warmed/Toasted/Grilled Pita Bread
  • Tabbouleh
  • Cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • Chopped red onion
  • Tzatziki sauce

Instructions

  • Place the sandwich bread in a small bowl and cover with water. Set aside to soak while you continue with the recipe.
  • In a large bowl, combine beef, onion, garlic, parsley, allspice, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently toss the mixture together.
  • Remove the bread from the water and squeeze it to get rid of any excess water. Tear it into small pieces and add it to the meat. Add the beaten egg and again use your hands to combine the mixture until it's well mixed. Shape the meat into patties or football shapes, or shape it onto skewers and place on a baking sheet. Refrigerate overnight or for at least an hour.
  • To cook, preheat the grill to medium high heat or heat a cast iron skillet with a bit of oil to medium heat. Add the patties to the grill and cook for 7-8 minutes a side or until cooked through. Remove from heat.
  • To serve, place the patties in warmed pita bread with tabbouleh salad, sliced tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Keyword beef kafta, ground beef kafta, kafta kebabs, kafta sandwich