Arayes (Lebanese Meat-Stuffed Pitas)
Arayes (Lebanese Meat-Stuffed Pitas)
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
- 1 pound ground lamb, or ground beef
- 1/2 cup white onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly and Cooking
- 4 pita breads, round, medium-sized
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
For the Optional Yogurt Dip
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon za'atar, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb (or beef), finely diced white onion, chopped fresh parsley, paprika, ground cumin, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined and uniform. Do not overmix.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Take each pita bread and cut it in half, creating two semi-circular pieces. Gently open each pita half to form a pocket, being careful not to tear the bread.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Carefully stuff each pita pocket with the seasoned meat mixture. Spread the meat evenly against the inner surface of the pita, ensuring a thin, consistent layer. Do not overstuff, as this can prevent the meat from cooking through.
⏱️ 10 min
- 4
Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the stuffed pita halves into the skillet, meat-side down first. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through, and the pita is golden and crispy. Flip the Arayes and cook on the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes, until both sides are golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook in batches.
⏱️ 20 min
- 5
While the Arayes are cooking, prepare the optional yogurt dip. In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt and lemon juice. Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika and za'atar (if using) for garnish.
⏱️ 5 min
- 6
Remove the cooked Arayes from the skillet and serve immediately while warm. Cut into wedges if desired, and serve with the prepared yogurt dip on the side.
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Arayes (Lebanese Meat-Stuffed Pitas)
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
- 1 pound ground lamb, or ground beef
- 1/2 cup white onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly and Cooking
- 4 pita breads, round, medium-sized
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
For the Optional Yogurt Dip
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon za'atar, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb (or beef), finely diced white onion, chopped fresh parsley, paprika, ground cumin, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined and uniform. Do not overmix.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Take each pita bread and cut it in half, creating two semi-circular pieces. Gently open each pita half to form a pocket, being careful not to tear the bread.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Carefully stuff each pita pocket with the seasoned meat mixture. Spread the meat evenly against the inner surface of the pita, ensuring a thin, consistent layer. Do not overstuff, as this can prevent the meat from cooking through.
⏱️ 10 min - 4
Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the stuffed pita halves into the skillet, meat-side down first. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through, and the pita is golden and crispy. Flip the Arayes and cook on the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes, until both sides are golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook in batches.
⏱️ 20 min - 5
While the Arayes are cooking, prepare the optional yogurt dip. In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt and lemon juice. Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika and za'atar (if using) for garnish.
⏱️ 5 min - 6
Remove the cooked Arayes from the skillet and serve immediately while warm. Cut into wedges if desired, and serve with the prepared yogurt dip on the side.