Kafta & Salads

Hello Bloggers and Friends

I’m sure many of you have made this dish or have eaten it somewhere, but it’s always good to add a piece of your imagination with very simple ingredients found in your fridge or cupboard. One of the things we find absolutely essential to have in our kitchen  is a full shelf of different spices and herbs. The amazing flavors and smells add character to the dish and compliment meats and vegetables so well, it’s a combination made in heaven.

Today , we have Lebanese Kafta marinated with different spices and love, Potato salad with yogurt sauce and Cucumber and Chili salad. This is not a heavy meal and can be prepared in just 30 mins. It can also be a great suggestion for casual dinner parties so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. 

Enjoy!

Tip : stock up your cupboard with amazing spices from all over the world , it will give you a taste of adventure. 

Serves 4 people

Kafta

Ingredients :

½ kilo of lean ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2  teaspoon of cumin seeds and ground cumin

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste

1 slice of bread of soft bread (cut the borders and moist with a bit of water )

Optional : 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley or coriander

Preparation :

Step 1 : In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients until evenly blended (onion, parsley, spices, salt, pepper and the moist slice of bread). The bread will help the meat and the spices stick together.

Step 2 :  Divide into small portions, and press around one end of the skewers to form a log shape

Step 3: Preheat the grill for high heat or If using  the pan sprinkle some olive oil on it (you may have to remove the skewers depending on the size of the pan )

Step 4 :Grill for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until meat is golden brown

Potato salad

Ingredients :

½ kilo of new potatoes

1 medium onion, finely chopped

200gr natural yogurt

1 tablespoon of fresh parsley or coriander finely chopped

1 to 1 ½  tablespoon of olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste  

Preparation :

Step 1 :leaving the skin on place the potatoes in a sauce pan and bring it to boil until its tender. Let it cool down for 15 min.

Step 2 : cut the potatoes in half in half and place it in a large bowl

Step 3: adding the olive oil , salt , pepper and for last the yogurt

Step 4 :mix it gently and sprinkle the fresh herbs on top

Cucumber salad

Preparation :

Cut the cucumber in fine slices , add some finely chopped chilies and dress it with olive oil and lime juice

Tip: you can also add on top some fine slices of onion marinated in balsamic vinegar  ( drain the vinegar before serving ) , the balsamic vinegar reduces the acidity of the onion and gives a fabulous flavor