Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)

Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)

Arayes are a classic middle eastern street food. Pita bread, stuffed with spiced ground beef and grilled (or baked) to perfection. Enjoy them with a yogurt or tahini dipping sauce as a lunch or light dinner! They are quick and perfect for using up some ground beef.

Ingredients

  • extra lean ground beef)

    (500g

    1 lb
  • garlic cloves

    peeled

    5
  • onion

    peeled and quartered

    ½
  • parsley

    packed

    ½ c
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • salt
    1 tsp
  • seven spice

    or substitute with allspice

    1 tsp
  • pomegranate molasses

    see notes

    2 tbsp
  • olive oil

    for the meat

    2 tbsp
  • olive oil

    for the pitas

    2 tbsp
  • round pitas

    smaller 4 inch pitas

    4

Directions

  1. 1

    Start by preheating your oven to 400F (if baking)

  2. 2

    Finely chop the onions, garlic and parsley or throw them in a food processor and process until fine

  3. 3

    Mix the ground beef with the onion, garlic and parsley mixture, along with all the spices, pomegranate molasses and the olive oil. Mix well using your hands, ensuring all the spices are well incorporated.

  4. 4

    Cut pitas in half and open them to form pockets. Stuff them with about 1.5 to 2 tbsp of the meat mixture, ensuring the pita is full but without overfilling it. Press them down to flatten and ensure the filling comes all the way to the edge (check photos in post). Brush the outside of the pitas with olive oil on all sides

To grill:

  1. 1

    Brush a cast iron gril with oil, then cook the pitas for 3-4 minutes on each side, on medium high heat, pressing down with a spatula. Flip onto the exposed meat side (the open side) and sear as well. Lower the heat if required, and check one piece to ensure the meat has cooked.

To bake:

  1. 1

    Place on a baking sheet with a rack if you have it (don't use parchment paper) and bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes, turning them half way through. The oven rack allows them to get more crispy and avoids sogginess.

  2. 2

    Ensure the pita is crispy by broiling for a few minutes if necessary. Watch them closely so they don't burn.

  3. 3

    Serve immediately with some yogurt, tahini sauce or ketchup and some fries. Enjoy!

Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)

Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)

156 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a flavorful, quick meal that feels straight from a Middle Eastern street food stall? This Arayes recipe delivers perfectly spiced ground beef tucked into crispy pita, ready in about 15 minutes of prep.

What makes Arayes so special is the combination of tender, aromatic ground beef, infused with garlic, onion, and a distinct blend of spices, all encased in warm, grilled pita. It's a fantastic way to transform simple ingredients into a satisfying lunch or a light, exciting dinner, making excellent use of any ground beef you have on hand.

You're in for a treat: each bite offers a delightful contrast between the savory, juicy ground beef filling and the wonderfully crisp exterior of the pita. The salt, black pepper, and seven spice, complemented by the tangy hint of pomegranate molasses, create a deeply satisfying flavor profile. This dish is designed to be a vibrant, aromatic experience, perfect for sharing. With just 15 minutes of prep, it’s an ideal choice for busy days when you still want a homemade, flavorful meal.

If you don't have seven spice on hand, you can easily substitute it with allspice without compromising the delicious Middle Eastern flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and onion to your preference for a milder or more robust taste.

Arayes shine as a fulfilling lunch or a delightful light dinner, especially when served alongside a cool, creamy yogurt or a rich tahini dipping sauce. They're excellent for casual gatherings or a weeknight meal that feels a bit special.

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