Greek Lamb Kefta

Go Greek on burger night! These Keftas are juicy, flavourful and fairly easy to make. Keftas are a meat mixture that includes herbs such as parsley and mint, and spices such as cumin and paprika.

Yield:
makes 8 keftas
Category:
Lamb and Mutton
Cuisine:
Greek
Prep Time:
20 min
Cooking Time:
10 min
Total Time:
30 min

INGREDIENTS:

  • Kefta Ingredients
  • 2 lb ground lamb or a combination of lamb and beef
  • 1 small red onion, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 10 mint leaves, chopped
  • 2 tsp dry oregano
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Serve with
  • Warm Greek pita bread or buns
  • Homemade Tzatziki sauce
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced Green bell pepper
  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Sliced red onions
  • Pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
  • Crumbled feta

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat an outdoor gas grill on medium for 20 to 30 minutes or so, meanwhile, prepare the meat mixture, pita (or buns) and fixings for the keftas.
  2. Add the ground lamb (or mix of lamb and beef) to a mixing bowl. Add grated onions, garlic, fresh herbs, oregano, cumin, paprika and cayenne. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Add a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and mix until everything is well combined.
  3. Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal balls. Using both hands, work meat into smooth spheres, then lightly press to form into patties. Arrange the patties on a large tray or dish, and with the tip of your thumb, press lightly to form a shallow, somewhat wide, depression into the center of each patty. (see cook’s tip #2 below) Cover and refrigerate until grill is ready.
  4. Lightly oil grill grates and arrange the Keftas on top. Grill over medium heat, covered, for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, turning once midway through cooking (internal temperat

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