1Add 2 lb ground meat to a large bowl. A mix of 1lb (90/10) ground beef and 1 lb ground lamb is recommended.
2In a small food processor, add 1 large shallot (or 1/2 small red onion), 3 garlic cloves, 2-3 tbsp pine nuts (or walnuts), and a large handful of parsley.
3Pulse until finely minced, then add it straight into the meat.
4Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, then season with 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp sumac, 1 tbsp oregano, 1/4 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp Aleppo pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
5Mix well.
6Divide and shape the mixture into oval logs, about 2 oz each, which should yield approximately 18 kaftas.
7Place the kaftas on a sheet pan.
8Add veggies around them, such as cherry tomatoes, onion wedges (cut smaller to cook faster), and a few jalapeños.
9Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt.
10Bake at 400°F for 28-30 minutes, until the kaftas are cooked through and the veggies are roasted.
11Make the herby yogurt sauce by mixing 1 cup plain yogurt with 3 tbsp finely chopped parsley, 1 large minced garlic clove, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
12Finish the sauce with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper.
13Serve the kaftas as is, wrapped up, or over rice.
Ingredients
2 lb ground meat
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground lamb
1 large shallot
0.5 small red onion
3 garlic cloves
2 tbsp pine nuts
3 tbsp walnuts
1 handful parsley
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp sumac
1 tbsp oregano
0.25 tsp cayenne
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp Aleppo pepper flakes
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper
cherry tomatoes
onion wedges
jalapeños
olive oil
1 cup plain yogurt
3 tbsp finely chopped parsley
1 large minced garlic clove
1 squeeze lemon juice
rice
Equipment
large bowlsmall food processorsheet panoven
Tips
Using a mix of ground beef and ground lamb adds a ton of flavor.
Pulse shallot, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), and parsley until finely minced.
Divide and shape into oval logs, about 2 oz each.
Add veggies like cherry tomatoes, onion wedges, and jalapeños around the kaftas on the sheet pan.
Cook onion wedges smaller so they cook faster.
Bake until kaftas are cooked through and veggies are roasted.