Description
Crispy Lebanese Arayes Pitas bring Middle Eastern street food magic straight to your kitchen, blending grilled bread with spiced minced meat. Savory, crunchy, and packed with bold flavors, these filled pitas promise a delicious culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground lamb or beef (or a mixture)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped or grated
- 12 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Spices:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Bread and Brushing Ingredients:
- 4–6 pita breads (preferably thick ones that can be easily opened)
- 23 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
Optional Serving Ingredients:
- Tahini sauce or yogurt
- Chopped vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles)
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Craft a robust meat mixture by blending ground meat with aromatic herbs, pungent garlic, and a vibrant array of warm spices until ingredients harmonize perfectly.
- Delicately transform pita bread into receptive pockets, ensuring gentle handling to maintain bread’s structural integrity while creating spacious caverns for savory filling.
- Meticulously distribute seasoned meat mixture throughout pita’s interior, pressing carefully to guarantee even coverage and preventing potential spillage during cooking.
- Enhance external surfaces with a light brushing of olive oil or melted butter to promote golden, crispy transformation during cooking process.
- Select preferred cooking technique: grill arayes over medium-high flames, achieving char marks and caramelized edges; alternatively, bake in preheated oven until bread turns golden and meat reaches optimal doneness; or pan-fry in skillet for equally delectable results.
- Allow arayes to rest momentarily after cooking, allowing internal temperatures to stabilize and flavors to settle.
- Slice into elegant wedges and present alongside complementary condiments like tangy tahini, creamy yogurt, fresh vegetable garnishes, and zesty lemon wedges for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground meat like lamb or beef to reduce excess grease and maintain a lighter texture.
- Consider using whole wheat pitas for added nutritional value and a healthier alternative.
- Ensure meat is thoroughly mixed with spices to create a uniform, flavorful filling that prevents bland spots.
- Drain excess moisture from onions before mixing to prevent soggy pita bread and maintain crispy edges.
- Experiment with vegetarian versions by substituting meat with lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled tofu for dietary diversity.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan for superior browning and achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
- Check internal meat temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption, especially when using ground meats.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and create a stress-free meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg