Why Make This Recipe

Crispy Lebanese Meat Stuffed Pita, known as Arayes, is a delicious and satisfying dish that is simple to prepare. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a fun party appetizer. The combination of spiced meat and soft pita makes it a hit among family and friends. Plus, it can be enjoyed with different dips and sauces, adding variety to your meal.

How to Make Crispy Lebanese Meat Stuffed Pita – Arayes

Ingredients:

5 pita bread (the thin pocket type, ~15cm/6" diameter (250g/8oz pack), cut in half (Note 1))
Olive oil spray (or brush with olive oil)
1/2 brown onion
500g (1 lb) lamb or beef mince (ground meat) (Note 2)
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional)
3 tsp ground coriander
3 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (sub plain paprika)
3/4 tsp ground allspice (sub mixed spice)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (reduce/omit for less spicy – Note 4)
1 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp tahini (or Chinese sesame paste – Note 5)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt

Directions:

Spiced meat filling: Start by chopping the onion finely. In a large bowl, mix the minced meat with the chopped onion, finely grated garlic, parsley, and spices (ground coriander, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground allspice, cayenne pepper, and salt). Combine everything well until it’s mixed evenly.
Cooking Arayes: Preheat your grill or a pan over medium-high heat. Take a pita half and fill it generously with the spiced meat mixture. Press the pita to close it. Lightly spray or brush the outside with olive oil. Place it on the grill or in the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the pita is crispy and the meat is cooked through. Repeat this step with the remaining pita halves.
Whipped tahini sauce: In a small bowl, mix the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, grated garlic, and salt. Whisk everything together until smooth.

How to Serve Crispy Lebanese Meat Stuffed Pita – Arayes

Serve Arayes hot with the whipped tahini sauce on the side. You can also add fresh salad or pickles for an extra crunch. It makes a great party food or a quick meal.

How to Store Crispy Lebanese Meat Stuffed Pita – Arayes

If you have leftovers, let the Arayes cool completely. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a pan or under the grill until crispy again.

Tips to Make Crispy Lebanese Meat Stuffed Pita – Arayes

Make sure not to overfill the pita to prevent it from bursting while cooking.
Adjust the spices according to your taste; feel free to add more spices for extra flavor.
A splash of hot sauce can give an added kick if you like it spicy.

Variation

You can use chicken mince instead of lamb or beef for a lighter option. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the meat mixture can also give a nutritious twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen pita bread?
Yes, you can use frozen pita bread. Just thaw them before filling.

2. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Substitute the meat with a mix of cooked lentils and finely chopped vegetables that you enjoy.

3. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat filling a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.