I'm sort of breaking one of my rules with this recipe, and that is posting recipes that are only low fat. The reality bug bit me, and I thought about all of those folks who have ground beef in the freezer and they are looking to make something different than hamburgers, meatloaf, or meat based spaghetti sauce.

Kefta is going to be that alternative for you. The look and texture is like a hamburger, yet this will be with much more flavor. Kefta is considered "street food" in Morocco, or fast food. So tell you kids that this is the stuff they serve at Mickey D's in Morocco, and then they will eat it.

And by the way, I know that everyone is watching their spending more closely than just a year ago. When I can find recipes that are healthy and cost effective, I will be sure to note them in this blog.

Kefta

Makes 4 servings, about 3 kefta each

ACTIVE TIME: 35 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour 35 minutes (includes marinating time)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

8 ounces ground beef, 90%-lean or leaner
8 ounces ground lamb
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 small onion, quartered
2 cloves garlic, peeled
8 pitted green olives
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon ground cumin, plus more for serving
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Harissa (see Ingredient Note) for serving

Go online to see the cooking instructions: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/kefta.html

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving:
354 calories;
25 g fat (7 g sat, 14 g mono);
90 mg cholesterol;
6 g carbohydrate;
26 g protein;
1 g fiber;
607 mg sodium;
385 mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus:
Zinc (33% daily value),
Vitamin C (25% dv),
Iron (15% dv).

1/2 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 3 1/2 medium-fat meat, 2 fat