Kefta Kabobs

Martin really loves Moroccan and Middle Eastern food so I've been trying to make it for him and last night I made Kefta Kabobs. These are basically Moroccan Hamburgers grilled in a sausage shape, but they are full of herbs, onions and garlic that make them more interesting. They are quite simple to make and are delicious. The meat mixture can be made ahead and then they can be grilled or broiled quickly when you want to serve them.  I broiled them as it was a bit too rainy to get the grill going on the deck. To go with these Kebabs, I made a buttery cumin rice and a salad of Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Onions and served these Kebabs with lots of tart Sumac sprinkled on top, which make them a bit Persian too.  If you like things hot, be sure to serve them with some Harissa, a Moroccan Chili Paste.

Kefta Kabobs

1 ½ pounds ground beef or lamb (or a combination of both)

1 small Onion grated

2 Garlic Cloves minced

1 teaspoon Turmeric

2 teaspoons Salt

1/4 cup chopped Parsley

3 tablespoons chopped Cilantro

1 Tablespoon chopped Mint

½ teaspoon ground Cumin

Optional:  Harissa or other Chili Sauce and Sumac (a dried sour berry condiment) for serving.

Combine all ingredients kneading well.  Then let it sit for one hour or longer in the refrigerator until you are ready to make the kebabs. 

Put oven shelf as close to the broiler as possible then turn on the broiler.  Divide the meat into 12 balls.  Roll each one out into a long sausage shape about 1 inch wide. Put on a baking pan and flatten slightly.  Put the pan into the broiler and broil for about 5 minutes or until the top of the Kebabs are brown. Turn and broil for another 5 minutes.  Serve with Harissa and Sumac.

Five Element Analysis

Beef is from the Earth Element and Lamb belongs to the Fire Element.  The spices and along with the onion and garlic contribute the Metal Element.  The Harissa brings in more of the Fire Element and the Sumac, being sour adds the Wood Element and the herbs bring in even more. Only the Water Element is missing so serving this main dish with an Eggplant side dish would be good and/or a dish with Chickpeas would also create a Five Element balance.