Baked Kafta in Tahini Sauce
Juicy Lebanese-style meatballs baked in rich tahini sauce.
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Rate this RecipeEquipment
- Mixing Bowl For combining the meat mixture
- Baking Dish To arrange the kafta patties and sauce
- Whisk For preparing the tahini sauce
- Aluminum Foil To cover the baking dish during baking
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb Either type of meat can be used; lamb will add a richer flavor
- 1 cup parsley Finely chopped
- 1 medium onion Finely chopped, approximately 100 grams
- 3 clove garlic Minced, approximately 9 grams
- 1 tablespoon seven spice mix Traditional Middle Eastern spice blend
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup tahini Rich sesame paste
- ¼ cup lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Kafta Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound (450 grams) of ground beef or lamb with 1 cup (30 grams) of finely chopped fresh parsley and 1 medium onion (about 100 grams), which should be finely chopped. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic (approximately 9 grams) for added depth. Season generously with 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of Seven Spice mix, 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) of black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly using your hands until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should have a consistent texture so that it will shape well into meatballs.
- Take portions of the kafta mixture and shape them into small oval patties, roughly the size of a golf ball. Oval-shaped kafta allows for even baking and makes it easier to layer them in the baking dish later. Set aside on a plate as you finish shaping the rest of the mixture.
Baking the Kafta with Tahini Sauce
- While preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), create the rich tahini sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of tahini, 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of water. The mixture might initially appear thick, but as you continue to whisk, it will loosen and develop a smooth consistency. The lemon juice will give the sauce a bright flavor that perfectly complements the savory kafta.
Serving Suggestions
- Once baked, allow the kafta to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve over Lebanese rice, which will soak up all of the wonderful tahini sauce. A simple side salad with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of lemon juice pairs beautifully with this dish, making it a complete, balanced meal.
Notes
If the tahini sauce appears too thick initially, keep whisking—it will loosen as you mix. Adding an extra tablespoon of water can also help achieve the desired consistency.