Moroccan Grilled Kefta – Spiced Meat Skewers with a
Soul
A Staple of Moroccan Grills and Gatherings
Kefta, or
Moroccan spiced ground meat, is more than just a dish — it's a cultural
experience. Found sizzling on street-side grills, in home kitchens, and at
family barbecues, kefta is a comforting and flavorful cornerstone of Moroccan
cuisine. Whether shaped into skewers, patties, or meatballs, its aroma is
unforgettable.
Moroccan
Kefta uses ground beef or lamb, seasoned with a warm and fragrant mix of herbs
and spices like cumin, paprika, parsley, and garlic. It’s fast to prepare, easy
to cook, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients (with Western-Friendly Alternatives)
- Ground beef or lamb (or a mix
of both)
- Fresh parsley and cilantro –
finely chopped
- Onion – grated or finely minced
- Garlic – crushed
- Ground cumin
- Sweet paprika
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Cayenne or chili flakes
(optional, for heat)
- Olive oil – to brush before
grilling
Substitutions:
- You can use ground turkey or
plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- If cilantro isn’t preferred,
use just parsley.
Preparation Steps
1. Prepare the mixture
In a large
bowl, mix the ground meat with herbs, garlic, onion, and spices. Use your hands
to ensure everything is well combined. Let it rest for 15–30 minutes so the
flavors can marry.
2. Shape the kefta
Form the
mixture into small sausage-like shapes or patties. If using skewers, mold the
meat around flat metal or soaked bamboo skewers.
3. Grill or cook
- Grill over medium-high heat
until browned and cooked through.
- Alternatively, cook in a grill
pan or skillet indoors.
- Brush lightly with olive oil
while cooking to keep it juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Moroccan
Kefta is incredibly versatile:
- Serve with Moroccan bread
(khobz), olives, and grilled vegetables.
- Add to wraps with lettuce, tomato,
and a drizzle of yogurt-mint sauce.
- Pair with couscous or rice
for a hearty meal.
- Top with a fried egg and
enjoy it the traditional Moroccan way.
Another beloved way to enjoy Moroccan kefta is in the form of a tagine with tomato sauce and eggs. This dish combines tender spiced meatballs simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, topped with gently poached eggs — a rustic, deeply flavorful meal often served straight from the clay pot.
To prepare this variation:
- Form the seasoned kefta into small round meatballs.
- Simmer them in a sauce made with grated fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Once the sauce thickens and the meatballs are cooked through, crack a few eggs directly over the tagine, cover, and let them cook until just set.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot with Moroccan bread.
This dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for sharing — especially on cool evenings or family gatherings. The richness of the sauce and the eggs blends beautifully with the spices in the kefta, creating a dish that’s both comforting and unforgettable.
Vegetarian Version
Plant-based
eaters can still enjoy this dish by replacing the meat with:
- Lentils and mashed chickpeas
- Plant-based ground beef
alternatives
- Finely chopped mushrooms with
walnuts for texture
Season and
shape the same way, then bake or pan-fry until golden.
Cultural Note
In Morocco,
kefta is often a shared meal — grilled outdoors on family picnics, sold in
medina corners, or cooked fresh in clay tagines. The flavor of kefta connects
generations through its deep spice notes and simplicity.
Final Touch
Enjoy your
kefta with Moroccan mint tea for a true cultural immersion — a balance of
hearty spice and refreshing sweetness on the same table.