Ground turkey lightens up this traditional Middle Eastern dish without sacrificing flavor.
Did you know that my family is Middle Eastern? I’m kidding. Garlic, lemon juice and olive oil runs through my veins. In fact, my Syrian heritage is the reason this blog is named The Lemon Bowl. One of my favorite Lebanese dishes is grilled kafta kabobs. Traditionally made with a lamb and beef combination, I decided to create a lighter version with ground turkey breast which we almost always have on hand.
Thanks to the juicy onion and plenty of fresh parsley, these Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties came out tender, moist and delicious. Even my beef-loving husband admitted that I nailed it. Our 21 month old ate three patties so clearly they got his stamp of approval as well.
To serve, make a batch of Cucumber Laban – Lebanese Yogurt Sauce. Cool, creamy and tangy – it is the perfect balance to any grilled meat or seafood but works particularly well with kafta.
A classic Middle Eastern Salad or Fattoush Salad would also be great with this dish. Don’t worry about too much garlic, two garlic breaths balance out the other so eat up and enjoy.
BTW – This recipe (and entire suggested menu) is completely gluten free! Perfect for summer grilling season, especially when you may be hosting guests with various allergies. For more delicious gluten free recipe ideas and gluten free living support, head on over to the Udi’s Gluten Free Community.
Your fork is waiting.
Grilled Turkey Kafta Patties
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pre-heat grill on high.
- Pour olive oil on to a large plate; set aside.
- Pulse together all remaining ingredients (ground turkey through nutmeg) in a food processor until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove blade from food processor and use hands to form 8 small patties.
- Place patties on plate with olive oil and toss once to coat both sides.
- Grill over high heat 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until internal cooking temperature reaches 165 degrees or higher.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over rice pilaf or in a pita bread with cucumber yogurt sauce.
Jesselyn A/Jesstinger
I’m a huge fan of Lebanese food ~ and Middle Eastern cuisine in general. I couldn’t agree more about how essential the onion is to this recipe, but authentic or not, I just can’t resist adding a bit garlic too…
Also as you note, kafta is traditionally made with lamb and beef ~ and my Honey/Hubby LOVES the taste of LAMB (me too…) but I did find that while not as healthy /light as going with the straight ground turkey, doing a turkey/lamb combo gives the kafta the taste and texture Hubby craves ~ with an improved fat/nutrition profile. Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
I completely agree and also LOVE lamb!! I wish it was leaner!!! I hope you enjoy these!
robin
I made these tonight, with the Lebanese chickpea salad and the cucumber laban. Amazing!! Loved the flavors and the turkey patties, so moist and tasty.Will definitely do this again!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m so glad to hear it!!!
Sylvia
is there something you can use in the place of dried mint? my grocery store didn’t have it : (
thanks!
Jacque
This sounds yummy!! I don’t have a food processor but I do have a blender and a kitchen aid mixer…any suggestions?
Liz DellaCroce
I would use a blender or just use your hands and mince the parsley and onion. :)
Jacque
Thanks for the quick response! I am going to try it this week. I have really enjoyed your recipes. My husband is somewhat of a food snob so I find it difficult to find recipes that are fairly healthy and actually taste good. We use your shawarma recipe all the time now. Thanks again!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia
Ooooh these look fantastic! And I’m sure my 21 month old would love them too!
Liz DellaCroce
I didn’t realize you had a 21 month old!! Let me know if you try them!
Liz
Nice – thanks Jen.
Julia
I love kafta! These look great and I love that you grill them!
Liz DellaCroce
Wish we could eat and make it together!! With your mom’s yogurt!
Kirsten
Liz,
These look amazing! I am finding volunteer parsley plants popping up all over the place (where were they when I went out and bought 4 more to replace the ones the bunny nibbled?) so I’m delighted for a recipe using a cup of parsley, esp a meat recipe that my son can cook on the grill. Part of his summer enrichment program.
Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh yes this is ideal for parsley in the garden this time of year!!!
Megan {Country cleaver}
I saw these yesterday and couldn’t stop thinking about them! They look so great for summer Liz :)
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks chica – you should try them sometime!!! So easy and healthy and good!
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch
Amazing flavors!! Yum!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks Robyn!! Hope you had a great 4th!