Description
Arayes are Lebanese meat-stuffed pitas that are crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 thin 6-inch pocket-style pita breads, halved
- Olive oil spray or olive oil for brushing
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1/2 brown onion, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional)
- 3 tsp ground coriander
- 3 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 3/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, grate the onion.
- Add ground beef, garlic, parsley, spices, and salt. Mix thoroughly with your hands.
- Divide mixture into 10 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a thin semi-circle.
- Carefully open each pita half. If stiff, microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften.
- Insert the meat and press gently to spread evenly to the edges.
- Lightly spray or brush both sides with olive oil.
- Pan fry over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Place cooked arayes on a wire rack in a low oven (50°C / 120°F) while finishing the rest.
- Combine yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in a bowl. Microwave for 15 seconds, then whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Serve arayes whole or cut in halves with whipped tahini yogurt sauce on the side.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- Cook fully until the meat inside reaches a safe internal temperature.
- These can also be baked at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Great served with a fresh tomato-cucumber salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita half
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Arayes, Lebanese Meat-Stuffed Pita, Pita, Ground Beef, Appetizer