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Crispy Arayes served with tahini sauce and fresh parsley

Arayes (Middle Eastern Meat-Stuffed Pitas)

Arayes are a delicious Middle Eastern dish made with pita bread stuffed with spiced ground meat and grilled or baked to crispy perfection. This easy recipe delivers a crispy exterior with a juicy, flavorful filling.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat Filling
  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef or a mix of both
  • 1 small onion grated or finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste
Pitas
  • 4 pieces pita bread cut into halves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for brushing

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Grill or Skillet
  • Baking Sheet (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground lamb or beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
  2. Cut each pita bread in half to create pockets. Stuff each pita half with a thin, even layer of the meat mixture, spreading it close to the edges.
  3. Brush both sides of the stuffed pitas lightly with olive oil.
  4. Grilling Method: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed pitas on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown.
  5. Pan-Frying Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the stuffed pitas for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
  6. Baking Method: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place stuffed pitas on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
  7. Serve warm with dips like tahini sauce, tzatziki, or garlic sauce.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes of cooking. You can also add a sprinkle of pine nuts to the filling for a richer texture.