Sorry for the delay in getting this to you... This is a simplified recipe that I've developed myself. I've found that Lebanese kefta tends to be a bit spicier, and since I cook more Lebanese style than anything else, my recipe leans towards that. I leave the onion out because onion makes me ill. Some of the ingredients may surprise you 2 lb. ground beef or lamb 1 1/2 c seasoned bread crumbs. 2 cloves crushed garlic 1/2 c finely chopped parsley (or mint) 1 t. kosher salt 1/2 t ground pepper 1 oz Sadaf ground kebab seasoning (it's basically cumin, allspice, sumac, and some other things) 2 T Sriracha pepper sauce (sometimes I use more if I want them extra spicy :D) If you're unfamiliar with it, it's that Vietnamese red pepper sauce with the rooster on the bottle that you find at all the Asian restaurants. Dissolve the Sadaf seasoning in approx. 2 oz of water. It should have a loose paste-like consistency (not too thick). Knead together ingredients and seasoning. If the texture isn't enough to form "patties", add more bread crumbs a little at a time until it is. Cover and chill for an hour before forming the patties. So yeah, a bit unusual, but I haven't had any complaints. I use a similar recipe for meatballs that go with an awesome Armenian yogurt soup. Sounds odd at first, but tastes amazing and has never failed to knock out colds. :) (Pretty sure it's the spices and garlic in it).
Dude! you so need to go to Little Gaza on Brookhurst! (Will share my recipe later this evening. Heading out now for a session on some boulders :D)
I have been trying off and on for many years to make this stuff proper;). I don't use any lamb because my local market never has any#-o,so mine is just ground beef. Where do you get your seasoning? I have never even thought to look for something like that. I'm really close to some middle eastern markets in Anaheim but have never gone and I guess I should. Did you ever go to Sibians Restaurant in Uptown Whittier? Anyways, here's my last version:lol:. I'd like to see yours.:) 2 1/2 LBS 22% ground beef 1 whole white onion 1 1/2 bunch parsley 3 tsp minced garlic 1 1/2 cups italian seasoning bread crumbs 3 eggs 1 tsp allspice 1 1/2 tsp thyme 1/2 tsp black pepper 3 3/4 tsp salt 3/4 tsp lawrys salt juice of 2 lemons
Okay, totally unrelated to biking-- I see you make your own luleh kebab (aka kefta). So do I! Just curious-- Do you season it w/ your own mix, or do you buy the Sadaf seasoning and use that? :D Also, do you make yours with ground beef or lamb? I've been tempted to try ground turkey to make it "healthier", but I almost feel it might be an abomination ;)