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Arayes Recipe - Crispy pita pockets with spiced meat and tahini sauce

Arayes Recipe: Perfectly Crispy Middle Eastern Pita Pockets

Arayes is a beloved Middle Eastern dish featuring pita bread stuffed with spiced meat, typically lamb or beef, and then grilled to a crispy perfection. The smoky flavor from grilling combined with the savory filling makes this dish irresistible. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal, Arayes brings a taste of the Middle East to your table

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pita breads (preferably pocket-style)
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup pine nuts or toasted almonds (for added crunch)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup tahini or yogurt (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat with finely chopped onion, parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, garlic powder, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  2. Stuff the Pita: Cut each pita bread into halves or quarters. Gently open each pita and stuff with the seasoned meat mixture, pressing the filling down so it fits snugly.
  3. Grill the Arayes: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the outside of each stuffed pita with olive oil. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the pita is golden brown and the meat is fully cooked. If desired, you can press down gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling.
  4. Serve: Once grilled, remove the Arayes from the heat and allow them to rest for a minute. Serve with your choice of dipping sauce, such as tahini or yogurt, and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili to the meat mixture.
  • You can substitute lamb for beef or use a mixture of both for a richer flavor.
  • Arayes can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or grill for the best results.
  • Author: Emily Marano
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: dinner

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Arayes
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 20g