Kafta Appetizer Skewers

Name: Kafta Appetizer Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Yield: Makes 20-24 skewers
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Add to recipe book

roubashahin.com.au

Mains

A fresh take on kafta! These mini skewers with juicy kafta bites and cherry tomatoes make the perfect party snack or appetizer.

PREP TIME

20 minutes

COOK TIME

15 minutes

SERVES

Makes 20-24 skewers

About this recipe

Kafta is a staple at any Lebanese barbecue, bringing together rich flavours of lamb, beef, and fragrant herbs. This recipe has been passed down from my mum to me, holding onto tradition while remaining easy to prepare. Usually, we shape kafta into kebabs or patties, but today, I’m showing you a new way to enjoy it—kafta appertizer skewers!

Using the same authentic recipe I’ve turned these into bite-sized skewers with cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs. They’re perfect for gatherings, adding both flavour and a beautiful presentation to the table. Serve them alongside tabouli, hummus, and toum, and you’ve got yourself a feast.

This is a fun and effortless way to enjoy kafta, whether you’re entertaining or just looking for something different. Let me show you how it’s done!

Ingredients

350 grams of lamb mince
150 grams beef mince
⅓ cup fresh basil leaves (firmly packed)
¼ cup fresh mint leaves (firmly packed
¼ cup chopped parsley with stems (firmly packed)
1 small onion roughly chopped (approximately 80 grams)
A strip of capsicum (approximately 25 grams) or 1 tablespoon capsicum paste
1 whole fresh chili (optional)
¼ teaspoon Bharat (see cook’s note)
½ teaspoon cumin ground
½ teaspoon paprika
Cherry tomatoes,
Fresh parsley leaves,
Small skewers for assembling

Notes from Rouba

Bharat in the Middle East is also known as 7 spice blend. It’s found at Middle Eastern grocery stores and various supermarkets. Otherwise substitute with 5 spice or allspice.
You can use a food processor or a small chopper to chop up the onion, capsicum, and herbs or if you have a sharp knife and confidence go ahead and do it by hand.
If using an oven, place the kafta on a tray lined with baking paper and bake in preheated oven at 180° for approximately 15 minutes or until cooked through.

Along with this tasty recipe, I’ve got some cool tools to share! One of my kitchen staples is the Magimix Food Processor, which finely chops all your ingredients with precision, making preparation a breeze. From onions to herbs, it effortlessly handles it all, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.

In addition to this, the compact Magimix Mini Food Processor is also perfect for getting all those vegetables chopped up nice and fine and ready to add in to the meat mixture. I love both of these versatile tools and use them in so many different recipes, I highly recommend them for your kitchen!

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Kafta Mixture

In a food processor or small chopper place the basil leaves, mint leaves, parsley, onion, capsicum and chilli if using, and blend until mixture is somewhat finely chopped. In a large bowl, combine the meat, herb mixture, add in the spices, and mix well to combine.

Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 20-25 grams each, rolling them tightly to hold their shape. You should have 20-24 pieces.

Preheat a lightly greased grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the kafta meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to a plate and let them rest slightly before assembling.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

To assemble, thread a kafta meatball, a fresh parsley leaf and a cherry tomato onto a small skewer. Repeat with the remaining arranging them neatly on a serving platter.