Gluten-Free Herb Kafta with Bean Salad and Yoghurt Dressing

Herb Kafta is a delicious, versatile dish that can easily be tailored to suit different tastes and occasions. Whether you’re planning a quick family dinner or a stylish appetizer for guests, this gluten-free recipe has you covered. The kafta, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, pairs beautifully with a refreshing bean salad and a creamy yogurt dressing. It’s an affordable, simple, and delightful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Herb Kafta with Bean Salad and Yoghurt Dressing

What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly it adapts to individual preferences—serve it traditionally with a side salad, as a meze platter with pita bread, or wrapped up for a quick, satisfying meal. This dish will quickly become a family favorite with its inviting flavors and flexible serving options!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Herb Kafta:

Mixing the Meat: Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to ensure your kafta is tender and juicy. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can result in a dense texture.

Enhance Tenderness: For a softer texture, consider adding a binder like breadcrumbs or almond meal. The breadcrumbs help retain moisture, while almond meal provides a grain-free alternative that adds subtle flavor and softness.

Chilling the Mixture: Chill the shaped patties in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps the patties hold their shape better while cooking and allows the flavors to meld.

Cooking the Kafta: Cook the patties over medium heat, turning them to brown each side. Avoid cooking over high heat to prevent the outside from burning while the inside remains undercooked. Aim for a nice golden-brown crust.

Serving Ideas: Experiment with different serving styles to keep things interesting. Serve with a side salad and yogurt dressing, wrap in a flatbread with salad toppings, or offer as part of a mezze platter with various dips and bread.

Herb Kafta with Bean Salad and Yoghurt Dressing

Serving Suggestions

1. As a Meal (above): Plate the kafta with a side of bean salad and a dollop of yogurt dressing for a balanced, colorful main course.

2. In a Wrap (above): Spread a generous amount of yogurt dressing on flatbread, add the kafta, top with bean salad, and wrap it up for a quick, handheld meal.

3. As a Platter (below): Arrange the kafta patties on a serving platter, surrounded by a generous drizzle of yogurt dressing. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve alongside the bean salad

Herb Kafta with Bean Salad and Yoghurt Dressing

Herb Kafta with a Bean Salad and Yoghurt Dressing

Serves 4-6

Prep 30 minutes including chilling time

Cook 25 minutes

Herb Kafta

Ingredients:

300g beef mince

300g lamb mince

2 large onions, grated

6 cloves fresh garlic, crushed

1 cup parsley, finely chopped

½ cup mint, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal (for a grain-free option)

Sea salt and pepper, to taste

2-3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine beef mince, lamb mince, grated onions, garlic, parsley, mint, oregano, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined. Fold in gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal.

2. Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 8-12 equal portions and shape each into thick, short sausage patties.

3. Chill: Place the patties on a plate or tray, cover, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This helps the patties hold their shape while cooking.

4. Cook the Kafta: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until evenly browned and cooked. Turn the patties every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking on all 4-sides.

5. Grilling Option: Grilling the kafta on a charcoal or gas grill can add a smoky flavour that enhances the overall taste.

   
   

Recipe for Bean Salad and Yoghurt Dressing Below 👇🏼

Appetiser: Herb Kafta with Yoghurt Dressing

Bean Salad

Ingredients:

400g can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

2 tomatoes, diced

1 Lebanese cucumber, diced

1 small Spanish onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

sea salt and pepper

Optional: Rocket leaves, sliced roasted red capsicum or sliced olives for extra flavour.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, cucumber, and sliced onion. Season well. Optionally add roasted red capsicum, olives, or baby rocket leaves.

2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Yogurt Dressing

Ingredients:

½ cup Greek yogurt

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 tablespoon lemon zest

½ teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions:

1. Combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, and cumin in a bowl. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Herb Kafta with Bean Salad and Yoghurt Dressing

Margaret Pahos @CreateCookShare