Crispy & Juicy Lebanese Arayes Recipe
Authentic Lebanese Arayes are crispy, juicy pita pockets stuffed with a spiced ground beef mixture, grilled or baked to perfection for a flavorful and satisfying Middle Eastern appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 halves (serves 2-4 as appetizer or snack) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ lb (225g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- ½ small onion, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 (6-inch) pita breads, halved to form 4 pockets
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Optional Add-ins
- ¼ tsp chili flakes for heat
- 1 tbsp tahini for extra flavor
- Chopped pine nuts for crunch
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is uniform.
- Stuff the pita: Cut each pita bread in half to make 4 pockets. Gently open each pocket and stuff with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture, then flatten the filling evenly inside.
- Brush and flatten: Lightly brush both sides of the stuffed pita pockets with olive oil. Press gently to ensure the filling is evenly distributed and the pita is flattened slightly for even cooking.
- Cook: Choose your preferred cooking method:
- Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat and cook the stuffed pitas for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until crispy and the beef is cooked through.
- Skillet: Heat a dry nonstick pan over medium heat, then cook the pitas flipping when golden brown on each side until fully cooked.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the stuffed pitas on a baking tray and bake for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and cooked through.
- Serve hot: Allow the arayes to rest briefly after cooking, then slice and serve immediately with your choice of dips or salads.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning and add optional chili flakes for a spicy kick or tahini for a richer flavor.
- Use fresh pita bread for the best texture; stale pita will not crisp as well.
- Ensure the filling is well flattened for even cooking and to prevent the pita from bursting.
- Arayes are best served hot but can be reheated in a skillet or oven to re-crisp.
- Chopped pine nuts add a delightful crunch and can be mixed into the beef filling.
Keywords: Arayes, Lebanese, Ground Beef, Middle Eastern, Pita, Grilled, Spiced Beef, Appetizer
Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/crispy-and-juicy-lebanese-arayes-recipe/
