This recipe reimagines traditional kefta with a focus on nutrient-dense ingredients, making it a new way to indulge in a healthy dinner that nourishes your body while satisfying your taste buds. The ground beef is lean, ensuring a lower fat content without compromising flavor. Pistachios, a rich source of healthy fats, add a delightful crunch and nutty richness. Garlic and onion, known for their immune-boosting properties, infuse the kefta with an aromatic depth. Herbs like oregano, parsley, and mint, packed with antioxidants, give a touch of freshness and complexity. You have got to try this new way of making ground beef for your next healthy homemade dinner.
1 Food Processor can use a blender or finely chop ingredients if you don't have a food processor.
1 Cast Iron Pan or baking sheet
Ingredients
Mediterranean Beef Keftas
1lbLean Ground Beef
1/2cPistachios
1/2Red Onion
4-5clovesGarlic
1bunchParsley
1tspSea Salt + Pepper
1tbspChili Powder
1tbspPaprika
1tbspOregano
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400
Roughly chop onion, garlic and herbs
Place pistachios, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika and oregano into a food processor and blend until thoroughly mixed
Add mixture into a bowl with ground beef. Mix until fully incorporated
Cover with plastic and store in fridge for 30 minutes - hours
Remove from fridge and create logs with kefta, option to use sticks
Place formed kefta logs into a cast iron pan or baking sheet
Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Remove and top with fresh herbs, fresh lemon & serve with rice, naan bread, greens, and mint yogurt sauce.
Video
Notes
Pair with Mediterranean sides: Enhance the Mediterranean flavors by pairing your kefta with traditional Mediterranean accompaniments like hummus, yogurt sauce, tzatziki, tabbouleh, or grilled vegetables.
Create a Mediterranean platter: For a delightful appetizer or light meal, arrange kefta on a platter alongside other Mediterranean favorites like olives, feta cheese, dolmas, and fresh pita bread.
Infuse with additional spices: Explore different spice combinations to add unique flavors to your kefta. A pinch of paprika adds a touch of smokiness, while a hint of nutmeg imparts a subtle warmth.
Spicy Kefta: Elevate the heat level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a touch of red pepper flakes to the spice mixture.
Herb-Infused Kefta: Enhance the herbaceous notes by increasing the amount of fresh mint and parsley or incorporating additional herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Vegetable-Packed Kefta: Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
Lamb Kefta: Substitute ground lamb for ground beef for a richer, more intense flavor profile.