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<\/p>\nI love Kafta Bil Laban and all the delicious flavors associated with cooked-yogurt dishes, like Shish Barak, Kibbeh Bil Laban (Labanieh), Koussa Bil Laban, and so much more. Try this homey comfort food, Kafta Bil Laban\u2014aka Kafta with Yogurt\u2014for a delightful dinner. It definitely deserves a spot in your regular lunch or dinner rotation!<\/p>\n
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Levantine countries have long been known for their culinary specialties prepared with yogurt. If you\u2019ve never cooked with yogurt before, Kafta Bil Laban (Kafta Yogurt Casserole) is a great place to start. The dish comes together in just a few simple steps, making it ideal for a busy midweek meal. I often think of it when time is short but I still want something hearty and delicious. The best part is that it takes only a few minutes to assemble before baking.<\/p>\n
![\"Fresh](\"https:\/\/hadiaslebanesecuisine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/kofta-1.jpg\" "\\"lebanese-kafta-with-yogurt-sauce-ingredients\\"")
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Ground Meat:<\/strong> Beef or lamb can be used; choose meat with about 20% fat.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Onions:<\/strong> Red or yellow onions work well.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Parsley:<\/strong> Just a handful is enough for the kafta.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 7-Spice:<\/strong> To season the kafta.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Freshly Ground Black Pepper:<\/strong> To season the kafta.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Yogurt:<\/strong> Use plain, full-fat yogurt for the best results.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tahini:<\/strong> Just one tablespoon to balance the yogurt\u2019s flavors.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pomegranate Molasses:<\/strong> Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the yogurt.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Egg:<\/strong> Acts as a thickening agent. It can be substituted with a spoonful of cornstarch diluted in a little water.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Olive Oil:<\/strong> To grease the baking dish before spreading the kafta.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pine Nuts:<\/strong> For a pleasant nutty flavor.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Salt:<\/strong> For seasoning, as needed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Sunflower Oil:<\/strong> To toast the pine nuts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Kafta, kofta, or kefta\u2014the pronunciation depends on where you live and your country of origin. You may also come across other variations of the name. In Lebanon, kafta is a simple yet lip-smacking dish. It is one of the easiest things to make: minced meat mixed with finely diced parsley and onions, then seasoned and spiced.<\/p>\n Once the basic mixture is prepared, the possibilities for what you can do with it are endless. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.<\/p>\n Use minced meat with about 20% fat to keep the kafta moist and juicy during cooking. Leaner meat can result in kafta that is dry and less flavorful.<\/p>\n Dice the onions and parsley separately and as finely as possible. Fine dicing gives the kafta a more attractive texture and helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the mixture. For the best results, use a sharp knife.<\/p>\n For the parsley:<\/strong> Hold the bunch firmly and chop it with a sharp knife, shaving it as finely as possible into thin pieces. Be sure to remove and discard the lower, tougher stems.<\/p>\n For the onions:<\/strong> Dice them as finely as possible. This helps release more of the onion’s flavor and allows it to blend seamlessly into the meat mixture.<\/p>\n Make the Kafta<\/strong> Spread and Bake the Kafta<\/strong> Cook the Yogurt Sauce<\/strong> Add the Yogurt Sauce and Bake<\/strong> Toast the Pine Nuts<\/strong> Serve<\/strong> Add Some Heat<\/strong> Wondering what to serve with Kafta Bil Laban<\/strong>? This Lebanese dish of tender kafta cooked in a creamy yogurt sauce pairs beautifully with simple Lebanese sides, fresh salads, and tangy pickles.<\/p>\n Lebanese Bread or Arabic Bread<\/a>:<\/strong> Use warm bread to scoop up the kafta and creamy yogurt sauce together. This is my favorite way to enjoy Kafta Bil Laban<\/strong>!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli<\/a>:<\/strong> This classic Lebanese rice dish is a delicious accompaniment to a wide variety of Lebanese meals, including Kafta Bil Laban. The fluffy rice and toasted vermicelli complement the creamy yogurt sauce beautifully.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Plain White Rice:<\/strong> If you prefer a simple side, plain white rice is another great option. It also works well if you want to keep your meal gluten-free<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Middle Eastern Salad<\/a>:<\/strong> A fresh Middle Eastern salad is a perfect match for Kafta Bil Laban. Packed with crisp, fresh vegetables, this versatile salad helps balance the richness of the creamy yogurt sauce.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Lebanese Pickles (Kabees)<\/a>:<\/strong> No Lebanese table feels complete without pickles! Their tangy, crunchy flavor pairs wonderfully with Kafta Bil Laban and adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Storage:<\/strong> Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keep covered with cling film to maintain freshness.<\/p>\n Looking for delicious yogurt-based dishes? We\u2019ve got you covered! Discover a variety of flavorful yogurt recipes, from savory meals to refreshing favorites.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you like seeing my recipes, subscribe via email or, connect with me on my social media platforms:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0,\u00a0Pinterest<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n and\u00a0TikTok!<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n![\"](\"https:\/\/hadiaslebanesecuisine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/kofta-4.jpg\" "\\"how-to-make-lebanese-kafta-mixture\\"")
<\/p>\nTips for Making the Best Kafta, Kofta, or Kefta<\/h1>\n
Use Meat with 20% Fat<\/h3>\n
Finely Dice the Onion and Parsley<\/h3>\n
![\"baked-lebanese-kafta-meat-yogurt\"](\"https:\/\/hadiaslebanesecuisine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/kofta-11.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHow to Make Kafta Bil Laban<\/h2>\n
\nIn a large bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, chopped onion, and minced meat. Season with seven-spice, black pepper, and salt. Using your hands, mix everything together until well combined.<\/p>\n
\nLightly grease a 9 \u00d7 13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Spread the kafta mixture evenly in the dish, pressing it into a uniform layer about \u00bd inch thick. Bake in a preheated oven at 200\u00b0C\/400\u00b0F for about 12 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and lightly browned.<\/p>\n
\nWhile the kafta is baking, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a saucepan, combine the yogurt, tahini, pomegranate molasses, salt, and egg. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens.<\/p>\n
\nPour the thickened yogurt sauce evenly over the baked kafta. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling.<\/p>\n
\nHeat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and saut\u00e9 until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent them from burning.<\/p>\n
\nRemove the kafta from the oven, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top, and serve warm with Lebanese or Arabic bread.<\/p>\n
\nFor a spicier version, adjust the heat to your preference by adding cayenne pepper or finely crushed habanero peppers to the kafta mixture or yogurt sauce.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hadiaslebanesecuisine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/kofta-9.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhat to Serve with Kafta Bil Laban?<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nLet\u2019s stay in touch<\/h2>\n
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