Kefta
Kefta is a traditional Moroccan dish consisting of spiced ground meat, usually lamb or beef, formed into small meatballs or patties. It is richly flavored with herbs and spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander, reflecting Morocco's vibrant culinary heritage. Commonly served with tomato sauce or grilled, kefta holds a significant place in Moroccan social and family meals.
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Ingredients
- 500 grams
- 1 medium, finely chopped
- 3 cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup, chopped
- 1 teaspoon
- 1 teaspoon
- 1 teaspoon
- to taste
- to taste
- 2 tablespoons
Where this dish lives in the atlas
Dishes can belong to more than one culinary culture. These claims show origin, variation, diaspora, influence, or contested relationships when the atlas has source-backed context.
- OriginPrimary displayUncited · medium confidence
Moroccan
Backfilled from legacy dishes.culture_id during Phase 0B research-ingest foundation.
Last updated 4/1/2026
Kefta originated in North Africa, with Moroccan versions influenced by the region's abundant spices and pastoral lifestyle. The dish developed as a way to make ground meat flavorful and tender, often cooked over charcoal fires.
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