Beef Kafta

This is the final post of the graduation meal for my son.  I had made chicken for the girls/ladies and I knew the boys would want something more substantial – i.e., meat. Before I get into the story, let me back up and share some thoughts on the emotions of seeing our youngest son, last child get ready to leave the house.  I approach this experience with mixed emotions.  I am so happy for him because college is such a great stage of life.  The first chance for him to have a real taste of freedom.  As I write that sentence, I realize that it is this same word  – freedom – that my wife and I will get to explore.  I have loved being a father and will miss the constant noise in the house.  My realization is that I can focus on my passions.  We will have to see how this plays out.  Remind me of this thought if I ever share that my house it to quiet and I miss my kids.

The traditional name for this dish is beef Kafta.  I made these in a meatball shape.  I thought this would be easier to eat as finger food or cut it in half and serve it in a pita sandwich.  It is fascinating how certain types of food are made in so many different ethnicities.  I have provide this link to an article on the Meatball showing up in many cultures.

Ingredients:

• 6 lbs of ground beef (chuck)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp each ground mint, parsley, coriander & ground cumin
• salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Prepare all ingredients and combine in a metallic bowl.  Refrigerate for 24 hours.

Take out of the fridge and form into golf ball size shape.  Let them get a little bit more to room temperature, about 20 minutes.

Prepare your outdoor grill to medium heat and cook the meatballs for roughly 5 minutes per side.  Remove from the grill and place on a baking sheet.  Place in a 325 degree oven and cook for another 15 – 20 minutes.  By cooking these on the grill first a lot of the fat is cooked out.  So your baking tray will not be all full of beef fat as you typically see.  Serve as you desire but make sure your Tzatziki is close by.  Enjoy!