Entree: Lebanon – كفتة ➤ Kofta (spiced minced meat patties)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 10 min

Additional 2 min

Total 27 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 2 slices pita or white bread, torn, approx. 2 oz (56 g)
- 1 medium onion, finely grated
- 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp (6 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (1.5 g) ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground cumin
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Soak the torn bread briefly in a tablespoon or two of water, then squeeze out excess and mash. In a bowl combine ground beef, mashed bread, grated onion, chopped parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper; mix until cohesive.
2. Form into oval patties or onto skewers. Brush lightly with olive oil and cook on a hot grill or in a skillet over medium-high heat until well browned and cooked through, about 3–5 minutes per side depending on thickness.
3. Rest briefly and serve with sides such as flatbread, yogurt, or salad.