Hearty Kafta and Potato Stew

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East with this incredibly flavorful and comforting Authentic Lebanese Kafta and Potato Stew. This traditional Lebanese recipe, known for its rich, aromatic profile and hearty ingredients, is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect one-pot meal for any night of the week. Crafted from everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this robust stew promises to deliver a delightful dining experience that will have your entire family reaching for seconds.

There’s a special kind of magic in a bowl of Kafta and Potato Stew. Each spoonful is an explosion of savory goodness, where tender Kafta patties meld perfectly with soft, yielding potatoes and a vibrant tomato base. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, offering true comfort with every bite. The harmonious blend of textures and tastes makes it an unforgettable meal that truly embodies the essence of Lebanese home cooking.

For many, Lebanese cuisine evokes memories of family gatherings and cherished traditions. While some traditional dishes might take time to appreciate, Kafta has always held a special place. Its inherent deliciousness and versatility—equally enjoyable with fluffy rice or fresh bread—make it a standout. This Kafta and Potato Stew elevates that classic flavor, combining it with simple, wholesome vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

If you’re eager to explore more authentic and delicious Lebanese recipes beyond this delightful kafta stew, here are a few family favorites that are both easy to make and incredibly tasty:

• Lebanese Spinach Pies: Savory pastries filled with seasoned spinach, a beloved classic.
• Vermicelli Rice: A staple side dish with tender rice and golden vermicelli.
• Baba Ghanouj: A smoky, creamy eggplant dip perfect for mezze.

Why This Lebanese Kafta and Potato Stew Will Be Your Next Favorite Meal

• Unbelievably Hearty & Satisfying: This beef and potato stew is incredibly rich and robust, offering a fulfilling meal all on its own. With its blend of tender meat patties, soft potatoes, and savory broth, it’s a complete meal in a bowl, requiring minimal side dishes. A generous serving, perhaps with an optional side of vermicelli rice, will leave you feeling completely nourished and content.
• Packed with Wholesome & Healthy Ingredients: Our kafta stew is crafted using fresh, healthy, and wholesome ingredients. From lean ground beef and fresh parsley to nutritious potatoes and ripe tomatoes, these components are readily available at any grocery store, and you might already have most of them in your kitchen. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a balanced, home-cooked meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep & Make-Ahead Convenience: Whether you prefer to prepare components in advance or cook the entire dish, this stew tastes just as incredible when reheated. Its flavors deepen over time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, effortless meal prepping, or even freezer storage. Enjoy delicious, homemade Lebanese food without the last-minute rush!
• A One-Pot Wonder for Easy Cleanup: Who doesn’t love a delicious meal that simplifies cleanup? This Kafta and Potato Stew is designed as a one-pot dish, minimizing the number of pots and pans you’ll need, which means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your culinary creation.

Essential Ingredients for Your Kafta and Potato Stew

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable Lebanese stew. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Potatoes: For the best texture, opt for starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, which become wonderfully tender and slightly creamy in the stew.
• Onions: You’ll need onions for both the savory kafta patties and to build the flavorful base of the stew.
• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes add a vital tang and sweetness to the stew’s broth.
• Olive Oil: A light-tasting olive oil is perfect for frying the kafta patties and sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle Mediterranean note.
• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (90-96% preferred) creates tender and less greasy kafta patties, though a slightly higher fat content can add richness. Ground lamb is also a delicious alternative for a more traditional flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Essential for the vibrant color and fresh, herbaceous flavor of the kafta.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.
• Tomato Sauce: The foundation of the stew’s rich, comforting broth. (See tips for an easy substitution if you only have tomato paste).
• Dry Mint: A crucial ingredient that provides a distinctive, aromatic, and refreshing Lebanese flavor to the stew.
• Bell Pepper or Jalapeño (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor or a hint of heat, sliced bell pepper or a mild jalapeño can be a wonderful addition.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Kafta and Potato Stew

Follow these simple instructions to create a deeply flavorful Lebanese Kafta and Potato Stew:

• Prepare the Stew Components: Begin by peeling your chosen potatoes. Wash them thoroughly and slice them into uniform rounds or your preferred shape. Uniform slicing ensures even cooking. Rinse again and set aside. Next, peel and thinly slice the onion and tomatoes. These will be layered into the stew later, contributing to its rich texture and flavor.

• Craft the Kafta Patties: For the delicious kafta, finely chop one small onion, ideally using a food processor for a consistent texture. Add fresh parsley and pulse until it’s also finely chopped and well combined with the onion. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl. Add the ground beef, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Form the mixture into small, oval-shaped patties, similar to miniature loaves, as depicted in the photos. Arrange them on a sheet pan, ensuring they don’t overlap, ready for browning.

• Sear the Kafta Patties: In a deep, large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the kafta patties in the hot oil. Fry them on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. It’s not necessary to cook them through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the stew. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan, then return all seared patties to the skillet.

• Assemble the Stew: With the kafta patties seared, it’s time to build the stew. Arrange the sliced potatoes, onions, and tomatoes around and over the patties in the pot. Layering these fresh vegetables ensures a rich and varied texture in every bite.

• Prepare and Add the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine all the ingredients for the kafta sauce: tomato sauce, water, dry mint, black pepper, and salt. Whisk everything thoroughly until well mixed. Pour this aromatic sauce evenly over the assembled kafta, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes in the pot.

• Simmer to Perfection: Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and allow the stew to gently simmer. Cook for approximately 45 minutes, or extend the cooking time by an additional 10 minutes if you prefer your potatoes extra soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender. This slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the stew from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and the stew to cool slightly for optimal enjoyment. Serve this delightful Kafta and Potato Stew warm with a generous side of fluffy vermicelli rice. Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a delightful crunch (optional, but highly recommended!).

Expert Tips for the Perfect Kafta and Potato Stew

Achieve an even more delicious and perfectly cooked stew with these helpful tips:

• Potato Cooking Time: Keep in mind that larger potato slices will naturally require a longer cooking time to become tender. If you’re on a strict timeline, consider slicing them smaller or thinner.
• Thickening the Stew: The longer your potatoes simmer, the more they will naturally break down and release their starches, which will help to gently thicken your stew, creating a richer consistency.
• Kafta Patty Shape and Size: Feel free to customize the shape of your kafta patties! While oval is traditional, you can opt for a rounder, meatball-like shape if you prefer. Just remember that different sizes and shapes may slightly alter the cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
• Tomato Sauce Substitution: If you don’t have tomato sauce on hand, don’t fret! You can easily create a suitable alternative by mixing one small can (about 6 ounces) of tomato paste with 2 to 2.5 cups of water until smooth.
• Amp Up the Flavor: For an extra layer of complexity and a hint of spice, consider adding some sliced jalapeño peppers or green bell pepper to the stew along with the other vegetables.
• Kafta Spices: While this recipe relies on simple salt and pepper for the kafta, you can certainly incorporate specific Lebanese kafta spices if you enjoy them. However, the foundational recipe is incredibly flavorful on its own.
• Toasted Almond Garnish: Toasted or fried almonds are an optional garnish, but they add a wonderful textural contrast and nutty flavor that complements the stew beautifully. Don’t skip them if you can!
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the kafta patties, work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of searing, preventing that delicious golden crust from forming.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kafta and Potato Stew

Discover More Irresistible Lebanese Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the flavors of this Kafta and Potato Stew, you’ll surely enjoy these other classic Lebanese dishes:

• Maghmour (Lebanese Moussaka): A rich, flavorful vegetarian dish featuring eggplant and chickpeas.
• Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad Recipe: The quintessential fresh herb salad, bursting with flavor.
• Lebanese Fattoush Salad: A crunchy, tangy salad with toasted pita bread and vibrant vegetables.
• Lebanese Hummus with Spiced Meat: Creamy hummus topped with savory ground meat, a hearty twist on a classic.
• Lebanese Rice Pudding: A delicate and fragrant dessert, perfect for ending any meal.

I genuinely hope you enjoy creating and savoring all the recipes I share, especially this delightful Lebanese Kafta and Potato Stew. Please give it a try, experience its wonderful flavors, and don’t forget to rate it and share your culinary adventure with your friends and family!

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Kafta and Potato Stew

By:
Mariam Ezzeddine

This traditional Lebanese Kafta and Potato Stew recipe is incredibly simple to prepare! Utilizing common ingredients found in most kitchens, this robust stew boasts a rich flavor that is sure to delight the entire family!

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
55 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes

Servings:
2 servings

Equipment

• Deep Large Skillet

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes, or 3 medium (Russet or Yukon recommended)
• 1 small onion, peeled and sliced
• 2 large vine tomatoes, sliced
• 2 tbsps. olive oil, light tasting
• Toasted almonds, for topping (optional)

Kafta Patties

• 1.5 lbs. ground beef, 90-96% lean
• 1 small onion, cubed (for kafta)
• 1 cup parsley, lightly packed, chopped
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• ¾ tsp. salt

Sauce

• 1 (14 oz.) can tomato sauce (see notes for substitution)
• 2½ cups water
• 1 tbsp. dry mint
• ¾ tsp. black pepper
• ¾ tsp. salt, more or less to taste

Instructions

1. Peel the potatoes, wash thoroughly, and slice them into uniform rounds or your preferred shape. Rinse and set aside.
2. Peel and slice the additional onion and the tomatoes. Set aside for the stew assembly.
3. To prepare the kafta patties: Add one small cubed onion to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Then, add the lightly packed parsley and pulse until finely chopped and well combined with the onion.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped onion and parsley mixture with the ground beef, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Form the mixture into oval-shaped patties, as demonstrated in the blog post, and place them on a sheet pan without overlapping.
5. In a deep, large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry the kafta patties on each side until a golden-brown crust begins to form. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage. If necessary, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, then return all seared patties to the skillet.
6. Once the patties have been seared, begin assembling the kafta stew by layering in the sliced potatoes, onions, and tomatoes into the pot with the patties.
7. In a separate bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: tomato sauce, water, dry mint, black pepper, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour this sauce evenly over the kafta and vegetable layers in the pot. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or for an additional 10 minutes if you prefer your potatoes extra soft.
8. Remove the stew from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with a side of fluffy vermicelli rice and garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and toasted almonds (optional).

Notes

• Larger potatoes will take longer to cook, so keep this in mind if you’re working with a strict timeline.
• The longer the potatoes simmer, the more they will break down, naturally helping to thicken your stew.
• Feel free to shape your meat patties into any form you prefer, such as a rounder meatball. Just remember that different sizes may require adjusted cooking times.
• If you do not have tomato sauce, mix one small can of tomato paste with 2 cups of water to create a suitable substitution.
• For an enhanced flavor, consider adding some sliced jalapeño peppers or green bell pepper to the stew.
• While optional, you can also use traditional kafta spices for the patties if you prefer; however, this recipe uses only salt and pepper.
• Toasted or fried almonds are not mandatory but add a wonderful texture and flavor that beautifully complements the dish!

Nutrition

Calories: 1073kcal |
Carbohydrates: 17g |
Protein: 62g |
Fat: 84g |
Saturated Fat: 28g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 41g |
Trans Fat: 4g |
Cholesterol: 242mg |
Sodium: 1707mg |
Potassium: 1654mg |
Fiber: 5g |
Sugar: 8g |
Vitamin A: 4060IU |
Vitamin C: 70mg |
Calcium: 158mg |
Iron: 9mg