Print

Arayes (Lebanese Meat-Stuffed Pita)

5 pita breads (6” thin pocket-style), halved Recipe
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

Arayes are Lebanese meat-stuffed pita pockets filled with a spiced meat mixture, grilled until crispy and golden. Served with a creamy tahini yogurt sauce, they are a popular street food in the Middle East, bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Pita Bread:

  • 5 pita breads (6” thin pocket-style), halved

Spiced Meat Filling:

  • 500g (1 lb) lamb or beef mince
  • 1/2 brown onion, grated
  • 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
  • 3/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Whipped Tahini Yogurt Sauce:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, finely grated
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Make the Filling: Grate onion into a mixing bowl. Add the ground meat, garlic, parsley, spices, and salt. Mix thoroughly with your hands.
  2. Portion and Shape: Divide the mixture into 10 equal portions (approx. 55-60g each). Flatten each into a thin semi-circle to match half a pita.
  3. Stuff Pitas: Carefully open each pita half. If stiff, microwave for 15 seconds. Stuff each with the meat, pressing to spread evenly to the edges.
  4. Cook the Arayes: Spray both sides of each stuffed pita with oil. Pan fry over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Cook 2-3 at a time.
  5. Keep Warm: Place cooked Arayes on a wire rack in a low oven (50°C/120°F) to keep warm as you cook the rest.
  6. Make the Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Microwave for 15 seconds, then whisk until light and creamy like whipped yogurt.
  7. Serve: Pile up the crispy Arayes and serve with the whipped tahini yogurt sauce. Cut in halves or serve whole.

Notes

  • Use fresh and pliable pita bread for best results.
  • Avoid over-oiling the cooking surface to prevent greasiness.
  • Arayes can be prepared ahead and cooked when needed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/arayes-lebanese-meat-stuffed-pita/