Kefta Kebabs
Kefta is ground beef or lamb (or a blend) mixed with cumin, paprika, minced onion, coriander and parsley. Cinnamon, harissa, and mint leaves are optional. Once the mixture is assembled it makes fine kebabs or brochettes. You can use lean ground meat but the traditional Moroccan recipe calls for a higher fat content so the meat isn't too dry after cooking.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef, lamb or blend
3 oz beef or lamb fat -optional
1 medium onion, chopped very fine
2 t paprika
1 t cumin
1 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/8 t hot ground pepper (or harissa)
1/4 C chopped fresh parsley
1/4 C chopped fresh cilantro
1 t cinnamon - optional
1 T chopped mint leaves - optional
Preparation
Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and let sit for an hour or longer to blend flavors. Now the kefta is ready to shape and cook.
For kebabs, take a small amount of kefta and shape it into cylinder or sausage shapes. Repeat until all of the mixture is used. Skewer the meat, squeezing it to mold it to the skewer.
Cook over hot coals or on a grill for about five minutes on each side. Don't let the kebabs dry out.
Serve immediately or wrap in foil while you cook the rest of the kebabs. Serve with a cumin yogurt sauce, or in bread with chopped tomatoes and onions as a garnish.