1-First Step: Get the skewers and ingredients ready If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before you begin. This helps keep them from burning on the grill. While the skewers soak, quarter the onion and wash and dry the parsley. Have your beef and spices ready so the mixture comes together quickly.

2-Second Step: Finely chop the onion and parsley Place the quartered onion and parsley into a food processor and pulse until very finely chopped. You want the pieces small enough to blend into the meat well, but not so processed that they turn watery. This step matters because finely chopped onion helps the Kafta Kebabs hold together and stay moist.

3-Third Step: Mix the kafta mixture by hand In a large bowl, add the ground beef, chopped onion, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, seven spice blend, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand until everything is evenly combined. Hand mixing is one of the best ways to make sure the seasoning spreads through the meat without overworking it. Overmixing can make the texture dense, so stop once the ingredients are blended. The kafta mixture should feel cohesive and slightly sticky. That is a good sign that it will shape well and stay tender after cooking.

4-Fourth Step: Shape the kebabs or patties Take a portion of the mixture and shape it around a skewer into a log about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Press gently so the meat clings to the skewer, but do not squeeze too hard. If you do not want to use skewers, form the mixture into patties instead. You can shape them into traditional oval patties or round burger-style patties depending on how you plan to serve them.

5-Fifth Step: Grill the Kafta Kebabs Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly so the kebabs do not stick. Place the kafta on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes per side, turning once, until cooked through. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your kebabs and the heat of your grill, so watch them closely. The outside should have a nice char, while the inside stays juicy.

6-Sixth Step: Bake if you are not grilling If grilling is not an option, bake the Kafta Kebabs at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until done. Baking gives you a simple indoor method that still keeps the flavor rich and satisfying. This option is especially useful for busy parents, students, and working professionals who want an easy dinner without firing up the grill.

7-Final Step: Serve immediately Serve the Kafta Kebabs right away while they are hot and juicy. They pair well with rice, salad, hummus, tahini, pita bread, and grilled vegetables. If you are planning a larger meal, this kebab recipe also works nicely with sides like a crisp cucumber salad or a creamy potato dish such as this sweet potato casserole recipe for a more filling spread.