Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey with these irresistible Kafta Grilled Lamb Burgers that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of the Middle East! Imagine tender, perfectly spiced lamb patties infused with aromatic herbs and exotic spices, grilled to juicy perfection and nestled in warm, pillowy pita bread. This isn't just another burger recipe - it's a flavor explosion that will make your dinner guests beg for seconds and your kitchen smell like a gourmet Mediterranean restaurant.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Pita bread for serving
- Tomato and cucumber for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Using clean hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring all spices and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the meat tough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into oblong or oval patties, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Traditional kafta is typically shaped longer and thinner than standard burger patties.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the kafta patties on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side, without moving them, to develop a nice char and seal in the juices.
- Carefully flip the patties and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium doneness.
- Remove the kafta from the grill and let them rest for 3-4 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Warm the pita bread on the grill for 30-45 seconds on each side.
- Serve the kafta in warm pita bread, garnished with fresh tomato and cucumber slices. Optionally, add a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.
Tips
- Use freshly ground lamb with a bit of fat for maximum flavor and juiciness
- Don't overwork the meat mixture - mix just until ingredients are combined
- Let the meat mixture rest in the refrigerator to help spices meld together
- Make sure your grill is hot before cooking to achieve a beautiful char
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking
- Let the kafta rest after grilling to redistribute the delicious juices
- Warm your pita bread briefly on the grill for extra flavor and softness
- Experiment with additional garnishes like fresh mint, sumac, or a yogurt sauce
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
