AppetizerMain Course

Arayes

Name: Arayes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: lebanese, middle_eastern
Ingredients: 500 g ground beef lean; 1 pcs onion finely chopped; 0.5 pcs bell pepper finely chopped; 0.25 cup fresh parsley finely chopped; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp seven spice blend; 0.5 tsp paprika; 0.75 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 4 pcs pita bread large, round; 2 tbsp olive oil

Arayes are crispy, savory Lebanese meat-filled pitas, grilled or baked until golden brown. This recipe features a spiced ground beef mixture nestled inside pita bread. They make a fantastic appetizer or a light meal.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 40 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 565 kcal

Allergen information: may contain gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

500 gground beef, lean
1 pcsonion, finely chopped
0.5 pcsbell pepper, finely chopped
0.25 cupfresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsptomato paste
1 tspseven spice blend
0.5 tsppaprika
0.75 tspsalt
0.25 tspblack pepper
4 pcspita bread, large, round
2 tbspolive oil

Equipment

pastry brush · grill · large bowl · baking sheet · knife · oven

The method

Step by step

1
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, fresh parsley, tomato paste, seven spice blend, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Ensure all ingredients are well-mixed for even flavor distribution.
2
Knead the mixture with your hands for a few minutes until everything is thoroughly combined and slightly sticky.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: This helps the meat mixture bind together better, preventing it from falling out of the pita.
3
Carefully split each pita bread in half to create two pockets. You can use a knife or gently pull them apart.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Be gentle to avoid tearing the pita completely.
4
Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Press one portion evenly into each pita half, spreading it to the edges.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Make sure the meat layer is thin and even for best cooking results.
5
Lightly brush the outside of each filled pita with olive oil.
About 1 min
6
Preheat your grill to medium heat, or preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
About 5 min
Cook’s note: If using an oven, place the arayes on a baking sheet.
7
Grill the arayes for 4-6 minutes per side, or bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pita is golden brown and crispy and the meat is cooked through.
About 20 min
Cook’s note: Adjust cooking time as needed based on your grill or oven. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 71°C (160°F).
8
Remove from heat, cut each arayes half into wedges, and serve hot.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Arayes are delicious served with a side of yogurt sauce or hummus.

Per serving

Nutrition

48%Score

Calories: 565.1kcal
Protein: 25.8g
Carbs: 32.6g
Fat: 35.6g
Fibre: 2.6g
Sugar: 5.8g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover arayes in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes, or in a pan over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.