Arayes Recipe (Meat Stuffed Pita)

This Lebanese meat-stuffed pita recipe makes the crispiest toasties ever! A Middle Eastern favorite, Arayes are easy to bake or grill and perfect as an appetizer. The spiced meat filling stays juicy while the pita gets golden and crisp. Serve with tahini or yogurt dip—try them today!

📝 Ingredients

• 500 grams ground meat ((beef or lamb or chicken))
• 1 large onion ((approx 100g))
• 50 grams fresh parsley ((approx 2 cups))
• 2 garlic cloves (optional)
• 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses (optional)
• 1/2 tsp allspice powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 6 pita bread
• olive oil (to brush )
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1/2 tsp salt ((or to taste))

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 392°F (200°C) Fan.
2. 2process onion and herbs: Process the onion, garlic (if using) and parsley in a chopper or pulse them in a food processor or use your knife to chop them very finely.
3. 3prepare ground meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat with the chopped items, ground spices and pomegranate molasses. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Keep covered until needed. You may make this a day ahead and keep refrigerated.
4. 4prepare tahini sauce: Prepare the tahini sauce by whisking the tahini and lemon juice until fluffy. Whisk in cold water a little at a time until it reaches a thick pouring consistency. You may not need all of the water. Lastly, stir in the salt and minced garlic.
5. 5cut pitas: Stack the Lebanese pita bread and cut using a knife into half or quarters.
6. 6assemble pitas: Spread the meat mixture on one side of each pita triangle using about 2-3 tablespoons for each piece. You may drizzle a tsp of the prepared tahini sauce before closing. Close the pita bread pressing lightly.
7. 7brush olive oil: Place the stuffed pita on a lined baking sheet and brush the tops with olive oil.
8. 8bake and serve: Bake the arayes for a total of 10-15 minutes. Serve hot with the remaining tahini sauce or any yoghurt dip.