Cypriot Şeftali Beef Kebabs

Cypriot-style şeftali kebabs made with beef mince, parsley, onion and pul biber. Juicy, smoky and brilliant served with lavash, lemon and sumac onion salad.

Cypriot Şeftali Beef Kebabs

Cypriot Şeftali Beef Kebabs

🔥 Medium Prep 40 mins | Cook 15 mins 🍽 Serves 6

Ingredients

  • 900g beef mince
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large handful flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp pul biber or mild chilli flakes
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 100g finely grated frozen beef fat or lamb suet, optional
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • For the Sumac Onion Salad:
  • 1 red onion, finely sliced
  • 1 small handful parsley leaves
  • 1 tsp sumac
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • To Serve:
  • Lavash or flatbreads
  • Lemon wedges
  • Yoghurt, optional

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 560
  • Protein: 36g
  • Fat: 42g
  • Carbs: 12g

Method

  1. Mix the beef mince, onion, parsley, pul biber, salt, pepper and grated fat if using.
  2. Knead for 5 minutes until the mixture holds together.
  3. Shape into short sausage-style kebabs.
  4. Chill for 30 minutes.
  5. Toss together the red onion, parsley, sumac, olive oil, lemon and salt.
  6. Brush the kebabs with oil.
  7. Cook on a BBQ, grill or griddle for 12 to 15 minutes, turning regularly.
  8. Serve on lavash with the onion salad and lemon wedges.

Notes

Traditional şeftali uses caul fat, but this home version keeps things simpler. Adding a little grated fat helps keep the beef juicy.