Arayes
Arayes are crispy, savory Lebanese meat-filled pitas, grilled or baked until golden brown. This recipe features a spiced ground beef mixture nestled inside pita bread. They make a fantastic appetizer or a light meal.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 40 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 565 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 500 gground beef, lean
- 1 pcsonion, finely chopped
- 0.5 pcsbell pepper, finely chopped
- 0.25 cupfresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsptomato paste
- 1 tspseven spice blend
- 0.5 tsppaprika
- 0.75 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper
- 4 pcspita bread, large, round
- 2 tbspolive oil
Equipment
pastry brush · grill · large bowl · baking sheet · knife · oven
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, fresh parsley, tomato paste, seven spice blend, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Ensure all ingredients are well-mixed for even flavor distribution.
- 2
Knead the mixture with your hands for a few minutes until everything is thoroughly combined and slightly sticky.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: This helps the meat mixture bind together better, preventing it from falling out of the pita.
- 3
Carefully split each pita bread in half to create two pockets. You can use a knife or gently pull them apart.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Be gentle to avoid tearing the pita completely.
- 4
Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Press one portion evenly into each pita half, spreading it to the edges.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Make sure the meat layer is thin and even for best cooking results.
- 5
Lightly brush the outside of each filled pita with olive oil.
About 1 min
- 6
Preheat your grill to medium heat, or preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
About 5 min
Cook’s note: If using an oven, place the arayes on a baking sheet.
- 7
Grill the arayes for 4-6 minutes per side, or bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pita is golden brown and crispy and the meat is cooked through.
About 20 min
Cook’s note: Adjust cooking time as needed based on your grill or oven. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 71°C (160°F).
- 8
Remove from heat, cut each arayes half into wedges, and serve hot.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Arayes are delicious served with a side of yogurt sauce or hummus.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 565.1kcal
- Protein
- 25.8g
- Carbs
- 32.6g
- Fat
- 35.6g
- Fibre
- 2.6g
- Sugar
- 5.8g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover arayes in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes, or in a pan over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.
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