Description
Sizzling Lebanese arayes blend crispy pita with spiced ground lamb, creating a mouthwatering street food sensation. Grilled to golden perfection, these compact parcels deliver Middle Eastern flavors that will transport you straight to Beirut’s bustling culinary landscape.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (500 grams) lamb or beef mince
- 5 pita breads (6″ thin pocket-style), halved
Spices and Herbs:
- 3 teaspoons ground coriander
- 3 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (optional)
Sauce and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 brown onion, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Olive oil spray or olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare meat mixture by grating onion into a bowl and combining with ground meat, minced garlic, chopped parsley, aromatic spices, and salt. Work ingredients thoroughly using hands until well integrated.
- Divide meat mixture into 10 uniform portions, approximately 55-60g each. Gently flatten each portion into thin semi-circular shapes matching pita half dimensions.
- Soften pita halves briefly in microwave for 15 seconds if needed. Carefully open each half and delicately insert meat mixture, ensuring even distribution to entire edge.
- Lightly coat both exterior surfaces of stuffed pitas with cooking spray. Sear in skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side, achieving golden-brown crispiness. Cook in batches of 2-3 simultaneously.
- Transfer completed arayes to wire rack positioned in low-temperature oven (50°C/120°F) to maintain warmth during remaining cooking process.
- Craft tahini yogurt sauce by blending sauce components. Warm briefly in microwave for 15 seconds, then vigorously whisk until achieving light, creamy consistency.
- Present arayes arranged attractively, accompanied by freshly prepared whipped tahini yogurt sauce. Option to serve whole or pre-cut into halves for convenient sharing.
Notes
- Customize the meat blend by mixing ground beef with lamb for deeper, richer flavor profiles.
- Choose thin, soft pita bread to ensure even, crispy cooking and prevent tearing during stuffing.
- Squeeze excess moisture from grated onions to prevent soggy meat mixture and maintain ideal texture.
- Vegetarian adaptation works perfectly with crumbled plant-based meat alternatives or seasoned lentil fillings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 436
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg