Cinnamon Stick Kefta Kabobs: A Moroccan-Inspired Flavor Explosion
I got the creative idea for these Cinnamon Stick Kefta Kabobs from a tremendous cook extraordinaire, my Tunisian friend Tzippi. One day at a BBQ at her house, she served these delicious kabobs that blew my mind. The combination of cinnamon, cumin, and paprika made for an unforgettable flavor profile. Inspired by her, I knew I had to share this Moroccan-inspired dish with you. These kabobs are versatile and can be grilled, baked, or broiled, making them perfect for any occasion.
What Are Cinnamon Stick Kefta Kabobs?
Kefta is a traditional dish in Moroccan and North African cuisine, typically made with spiced ground meat (usually beef or lamb) shaped into patties or skewers. This version takes it up a notch by wrapping the spiced meat mixture around cinnamon sticks, infusing the meat with a unique aroma and flavor. Serve it with flatbread or couscous, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that packs a punch.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Stick Kefta Kabobs
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb, optional: 3 tbsp beef fat for richness)
- 1 medium onion (finely minced)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 15 cinnamon sticks
How to Make Cinnamon Stick Kefta Kabobs
- Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or lamb), minced onion, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, cayenne, parsley, cilantro, and cinnamon. Mix everything thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. - Shape the Kabobs:
Scoop an egg-sized amount of the meat mixture and form it into a cylindrical shape around a cinnamon stick, leaving half of the cinnamon stick exposed. Repeat this process until all the meat is used. - Grilling Instructions:
- To Grill: Preheat your grill and cook the kabobs over hot coals for about 5 minutes per side. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your kabobs and how hot your coals are.
- To Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the kabobs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
- To Broil: Place the kabobs on a baking sheet and broil them in your oven for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and cooked through.
- Serve:
Once cooked, serve the Cinnamon Stick Kefta Kabobs immediately. They’re perfect with a drizzle of harissa or tahini sauce. If harissa is too spicy, mix it with mayonnaise in a 1:1 ratio for a milder dip.
Why You’ll Love These Kefta Kabobs
The inspiration for these Cinnamon Stick Kefta Kabobs comes from my friend Tzippi, who served this flavorful dish at a BBQ. The combination of savory meat and aromatic spices, especially the cinnamon stick, creates an unforgettable eating experience. These kabobs are not only delicious but also visually striking with the cinnamon sticks acting as both a flavor enhancer and garnish.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Kefta Kabobs
- Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cumin, paprika, and cinnamon to your taste. Want more heat? Add extra cayenne or chili powder.
- Grill, Bake, or Broil: These kabobs are flexible! Choose your preferred cooking method, but grilling will give them a smoky char that’s hard to beat.
- Serve with Flatbread or Couscous: Pair the Kefta Kabobs with warm naan, pita, or couscous to complete your Moroccan-inspired meal.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Stick Kefta Kabobs are an easy and flavorful way to bring Moroccan cuisine to your table. Inspired by a great cook and even better friend, Tzippi, this recipe will make a lasting impression on anyone who tries it. Whether grilled, baked, or broiled, these kabobs are perfect for any gathering, so don’t wait to try them out!
Cinnamon Stick Kefta Kabobs
DESCRIPTION
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground lamb (Optional: 3 tbsp beef fat))
- 1 medium oinion (finely minced)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 15 cinnamon sticks
INSTRUCTIONS
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mix all the ingredients together.
- Scoop an egg-sized amount of mixture and form it into a cylinder shape around a cinnamon stick, leaving half the cinnamon stick exposed.
- Repeat the process until all the meat is used.
- To grill: Cook over hot coals, approximately 5 minutes each side. (It may take less or more time, depending on how hot the coals are, and how thick you shaped the kefta.)
- To bake: Set oven at 350 degrees and place the kefta kabobs on an aluminum foil covered cookie sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes (depending on thickness).
- To broil: Place kefta kabobs on an aluminum foil covered cookie sheet and place cookie sheet under the broiler on the second shelf of oven. Broil for 3-minutes, then turn over and broil for another 3 minutes.
- Serve immediately, or wrap in aluminum foil to keep hot while you cook additional kebabs. Delicious served with harissa or tahini. (If harissa is too spicy, mix it 1:1 ratio with mayonnaise.)
