These kafta pita burgers are incredibly flavorful and cooking them in the pita is a game changer. The meat flavors the bread and the natural fats help to crisp it up, creating a delicious result. It’s a great alternative to a traditional burger and so easy to make.
What are Kafta?
Kafta or kefta/kofta is a Lebanese dish. It’s typically made with ground beef and lamb, as well as some herbs and spices. There are many different variations from different Middle Eastern countries. Grilled, baked, braised – there really is no bad way to eat these. I grew up on both (here’s a delicious baked kafta recipe we’ve shared in the past). I prefer the grilled option in the summertime and the baked option with the colder weather. Traditionally, the kafta are rolled and grilled in a basket or on skewers. Typically, they are served with rice or bread and other grilled vegetables.
Ingredients:
There are SO many ways to make kaftas. The most basic recipe usually has herbs and spices. I prefer to add onion, garlic and red bell pepper for some extra moisture and flavor. I use fresh mint and parsley for my herbs. Keep the spices simple with Seven Spice (a key spice in Middle Eastern food), salt, and pepper. The key with the herbs and aromatics is to make sure they are all very finely minced — this ensures flavor without having large chunks of them in each bite of your kafta.
Why Cook Them in Pita?
Many years ago we tried out this recipe from Bon Appetit for spiced lamb burgers that were grilled directly in a pita pocket. The flavors and crispiness of the pita blew us away. The juices from the meat cook into bread creating the perfect texture. These kafta burgers turned out just as good! I recommend getting a thinner pita bread to ensure maximum crispiness. If you live in the DFW area, Sara’s Market and Bakery is your best bet — they have been making fresh pita for years and do it best. Their bread freezes great, so we often stock up to make sure we never run out!
Meal Pairing Suggestions:
I suggest to make your whole meal on the grill to keep clean up simple! We opted to throw on some mini sweet peppers, hatch peppers, and whole tomatoes directly onto the grill. In addition, I made a quick batch of hummus. this was perfect to dip the sandwich in, but it was delicious all on its own too. Tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce could also be tasty dip options. So, get creative and enjoy!
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all the kafta ingredients (everything but the pita) and mix well to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1-2 hours or overnight.
- Pre-heat your grill to a medium-high heat.
- Form the kafta meat into 6 round patties.
- Cut your pita bread in half and stuff one patty into each pita half, pressing the meat in to make sure it forms an even layer all the way across the pita. They should be about a ¼ inch thick.
- Place the kafta filled pitas directly onto the grill and cook for about 7 minutes on each side, or until the meat is cooked through and the pita has gotten a nice crispy exterior.
- Pair with hummus and other grilled vegetables or enjoy alone.