Name: Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pitas)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Arab
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef or Lamb (85/15 recommended ); 1/2 Onion (grated and liquid pressed out); 3 Garlic Cloves (minced ); 4 tbsp Parsley (minced ); 1 tsp Kosher Salt; 1 tsp Cumin; 1 tsp Paprika; 1/2 tsp Allspice; 1/2 tsp Coriander; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper; 1 tbsp Red Pepper Paste (optional ); 3 Pita Breads (halved ); 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for brushing ); 2 tsp Red Pepper Paste

1

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion (press out excess liquid), garlic, parsley, salt, cumin, paprika, allspice, coriander, black pepper, and olive oil.

2

Mix gently until just combined, but do not overmix, or the filling will become dense.

3

Carefully open each pita half to create a pocket.

4

Spread a thin, even layer of the meat mixture inside each pita, pressing it gently so it adheres to the bread without overfilling.

5

Mix the red pepper paste and olive oil together. Then lightly brush the outside of each stuffed pita with the mixture.

6

Grill Method (Preferred): Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill arayes for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the pita is crisp and the meat is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place arayes on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F.

7

Serve with garlic sauce, pickled onions, and a side salad and enjoy.

Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pitas)

Ingredients

14 Ingredients

Instructions

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