Gluten Free Kefta (Moroccan Minced Beef )

Grilled, baked or fried this easy-to-make Moroccan treat is delicious!

Kefta (Moroccan Minced Beef)

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: Depends on how you prepare them

Serves: 4 to 6 people

These are bundles of joy and flavor! So easy to make too! You can grill, fry, or bake them. Either way they are just delicious!

"Kefta" or "Kofta" is a traditional Moroccan staple. It is beef or lamb that has been formed into a ball, cylinder, or patty and then grilled or baked. It is served with a grain (rice or couscous) or vegetable (potatoes or salads)... and a yogurt sauce.

I like serving Kefta with Labneh (recipe here), rice and a side of spicy olives.

Let's make it!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pound of ground beef

• 1 large onion (chopped)

• 4 garlic cloves (peeled and minced)

• 3 teaspoons of cumin seeds

• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)

• 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro (chopped finely)

• 1 teaspoon of smoke paprika

• 1 1/2 teaspoons of crushed pepper flakes

• Salt and pepper

• 4 cups of Vegetable oil (if frying the Kefta)

• 1/4 cup of any gluten free flour of your choice (if frying the Kefta)

• Metal or wood skewers if grilling (optional)

METHOD

Step 1: Making the Kefta

1. In a large mixing bowl add the meat, onions, garlic, cumin seeds, ground cumin, cinnamon (optional), cilantro, pepper flakes, paprika, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1/2 tablespoon of pepper. Add the gluten free flour is planning to fry the Kefta.

2. Mix well.

3. Scoop desired amount into your hand and form into a ball, cylinder, or patty (See picture below). Repeat until all the meat is utilized.

4. Place the Kefta on a baking dish lined with parchment paper and let it rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

Step 1: Cooking the Kefta

1. Frying the Kefta in oil: Heat the oil In a large frying pan over medium high heat. When the oil is hot, gently add one Kefta at the time. Do not overcrowd. Frying time will vary depending on the size of the Kefta but at least fry them for 5 minutes. Remove from oil and place them on a plate lined up with a paper napkin to drain excess oil.

2. Frying in the Kefta in an Air Fryer: This method will take the longest because it depends on how many Kefta can you fit in the air fryer at one time. Set the Air Fryer to 400 degrees F and for 20 minutes. Check halfway to see how well it is cooked.

3. Baking the Kefta in the Oven: Set the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the Kefta on a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

4. Grilling the Kefta: Follow the instructions on you gas, electric or charcoal grill. Grease the grill to avoid the kefta from sticking to it. Use skewers if desired. Grill for 20 to 25 minutes.

Printable PDF Recipe below:

Kefta.pdf

Download PDF • 65.23MB

Kefta (Morrocan Minced Beef)