Moroccan-Style Kefta with Cucumber Salad
Warmly spiced Moroccan-style kefta pairs with a bright cucumber–cherry tomato salad and roasted carrots, bringing Washington’s October carrot harvest into a quick dinner.
- Total time: 40 min
- Servings: 2 servings
- Estimated total cost: $9
- Calories per serving: 630 cal
- Oven
- Stovetop
Ingredients
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Kroger® 80/20 Ground Beef12 oz $5.99
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Cucumber1 medium, about 8 oz $0.99
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Private Selection® Fresh Petite Cherry Snacking Tomatoes6 oz $5.00
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Whole carrots8 oz $1.99
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Yellow onion4 oz $0.99
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Garlic2 cloves $0.99
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Italian parsley1/4 cup chopped, about 1/4 bunch $2.69
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Lemon1/2 large lemon, yielding 2 tablespoons juice $2.00
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Olive oil1 1/2 tablespoons
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Ground cumin1 teaspoon
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Ground coriander3/4 teaspoon
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Sweet paprika1 teaspoon
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Ground black pepper1/4 teaspoon
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Morton kosher salt flakes2 3/8 teaspoons
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Columbia Crest Grand Estates Syrah Washington Red Wine1 bottle $9.99
Instructions
Swipe a step aside or click its number when it’s done.
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Heat the oven to 425°F. Scrub 8 oz carrots and cut into finger-length sticks about 1/2 inch thick.
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Prepare the kefta mixture in a bowl, gently combining:
- 12 oz ground beef
- 2 oz yellow onion, finely grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 7/8 teaspoon Morton kosher salt flakes
Shape into 6 small oval patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Refrigerate while preparing the sides.
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On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the prepared carrots with:
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Morton kosher salt flakes
Spread into one layer and roast for 22–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender with browned edges.
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Make the salad in a serving bowl, combining:
- 1 medium cucumber, about 8 oz, diced
- 6 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 oz yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, squeezed from 1/2 large lemon
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt flakes
Toss well and let stand while cooking the kefta.
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When the carrots have about 12 minutes left, heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kefta in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, reducing the heat if the spices begin to scorch, until browned and the centers reach 160°F. Rest for 3 minutes.
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Divide the kefta and roasted carrots between two plates. Toss the salad again and spoon it alongside, leaving excess salad liquid in the bowl.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
Drink pairing: Fresh mint tea complements the warm spices and cool cucumber salad.
Wine picks:
- Columbia Crest Grand Estates Syrah Washington Red Wine $9.99 1 bottle
- Owen Roe Sinister Hand Grenache Oregon Red Wine $23.99 1 bottle
Why it works: The cumin, coriander, paprika, and browned beef suit Syrah’s peppery, savory character. Columbia Crest Grand Estates is a good-value match, while Owen Roe Sinister Hand adds juicy Grenache fruit to complement the bright tomato-cucumber salad.