The Kefta

Hello everyone! Today, I’m going to talk about a delicious and easy-to-make dish: Kefta. Kefta is a type of seasoned ground meat patty or meatball. It can be cooked in the oven, on the stovetop, or on the grill. Kefta originated from the Middle East and the Maghreb region and is a staple of traditional cuisine there.

The word “kefta” comes from the Arabic word “كفتة” (kufta), which means “to chop” or “to grind.” It is an ancient dish that dates back to the time of the Persians, who prepared it with minced lamb, spices, and herbs. The Arabs adopted this dish and spread it to the countries they conquered, such as the Maghreb, Turkey, the Balkans, and India.

There are many variations of kefta depending on the regions and available ingredients. For example, in Morocco, it is often made with beef or lamb and seasoned with cumin, paprika, parsley, and coriander. In Turkey, it is called “köfte” and is mixed with stale bread, eggs, and onions. In India, it is called “kofte” and cooked in a spicy tomato and yogurt sauce.

Kefta can be presented in different forms: as round or oval meatballs, on skewers, as patties, or as rolls. It can be grilled, fried, baked, or steamed. It can be served with rice, couscous, bread, vegetables, or salads. In short, it is a very versatile and delicious dish!

The conviviality of Quantum Isoraka as a bonus:

At Quantum Isoraka, we offer perfectly grilled beef or lamb keftas served on soft naan bread. Accompanied by a yogurt sauce and a fresh tomato salad, they are perfect for a convivial outdoor meal. Come and discover keftas at Quantum Isoraka, your Mediterranean cuisine restaurant in Isoraka, Antananarivo. You won’t regret it!

The Kefta Recipe

 If you want to learn how to make kefta at home, follow my simple and quick recipe!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 500g of beef, cut into cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• Salt and pepper

Here’s how to make it:

1. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, paprika, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the beef pieces to the bowl and mix well to coat them in the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
5. Thread the beef pieces, bell peppers, and onions onto wooden skewers that have been soaked in water beforehand to prevent them from charring.
6. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned on all sides.
7. And voila, your grilled meat skewers are ready to be enjoyed. You can serve them with a green salad or a yogurt sauce. It’s a simple and delicious dish that will please everyone. With this recipe, you can impress your guests at barbecues or outdoor lunches.

I hope you enjoyed this article about the origin of kefta. If you want to try making your own kefta at home, I invite you to try my easy and quick recipe mentioned earlier on the Quantum Isoraka blog. If you enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, Quantum Isoraka is the restaurant for you. They offer a variety of tasty dishes like couscous, tagines, shrimp, and salads. You can also enjoy the lively music and attentive service.

Feel free to follow Quantum Isoraka on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to discover their special offers and upcoming events. Don’t hesitate to leave your comments and suggestions.

See you soon! Enjoy your meal!