Arayes (Spiced Lamb Stuffed Pita)
Arayes (Spiced Lamb Stuffed Pita)
Ingredients
For the Lamb Filling
- 2 pounds ground lamb
- 1 white onion, grated
- 1 tablespoon garlic, mashed
- 1/2 bunch parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
For Assembly and Cooking
- 4 pita bread, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, for cooking
For Serving
- 1/2 cup labneh, for dipping, optional
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated white onion, mashed garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander powder, paprika, allspice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Take the pita bread, cut each one in half, and gently open each pocket to create a space for the filling.
⏱️ 3 min
- 3
Evenly stuff the seasoned lamb mixture into each pita half. Press the lamb into a thin, even layer inside the pita, avoiding overstuffing. This allows the lamb to cook evenly and helps keep excess moisture from soaking into the bread.
⏱️ 7 min
- 4
Lightly brush the outside of each stuffed pita with olive oil. This helps prevent burning and encourages even browning during cooking.
⏱️ 2 min
- 5
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of neutral oil, just enough to lightly coat the surface.
⏱️ 1 min
- 6
Place the stuffed pitas meat-side down in the hot pan. Allow the lamb to develop a deep, flavorful sear before flipping. Cook until the bread is crisp and the lamb is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F. Flip once to finish cooking both sides of the pita.
⏱️ 10 min
- 7
If needed, and to ensure the lamb is cooked through, transfer the pitas to an oven-safe skillet and finish in a preheated 300°F oven until the lamb reaches your desired doneness.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 300
- 8
Serve the Arayes hot, optionally with labneh for dipping.
⏱️ 2 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Arayes (Spiced Lamb Stuffed Pita)
For the Lamb Filling
- 2 pounds ground lamb
- 1 white onion, grated
- 1 tablespoon garlic, mashed
- 1/2 bunch parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
For Assembly and Cooking
- 4 pita bread, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, for cooking
For Serving
- 1/2 cup labneh, for dipping, optional
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated white onion, mashed garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander powder, paprika, allspice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Take the pita bread, cut each one in half, and gently open each pocket to create a space for the filling.
⏱️ 3 min - 3
Evenly stuff the seasoned lamb mixture into each pita half. Press the lamb into a thin, even layer inside the pita, avoiding overstuffing. This allows the lamb to cook evenly and helps keep excess moisture from soaking into the bread.
⏱️ 7 min - 4
Lightly brush the outside of each stuffed pita with olive oil. This helps prevent burning and encourages even browning during cooking.
⏱️ 2 min - 5
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of neutral oil, just enough to lightly coat the surface.
⏱️ 1 min - 6
Place the stuffed pitas meat-side down in the hot pan. Allow the lamb to develop a deep, flavorful sear before flipping. Cook until the bread is crisp and the lamb is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F. Flip once to finish cooking both sides of the pita.
⏱️ 10 min - 7
If needed, and to ensure the lamb is cooked through, transfer the pitas to an oven-safe skillet and finish in a preheated 300°F oven until the lamb reaches your desired doneness.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 300 - 8
Serve the Arayes hot, optionally with labneh for dipping.
⏱️ 2 min