ARAYES

Arayes is a popular Middle Eastern street food made with pita bread stuffed with seasoned minced meat, usually beef or lamb, mixed with onions, parsley, and spices. The bread is grilled or toasted until crispy and golden on the outside, while the filling remains juicy and flavorful inside.

Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita Bread)

Servings: 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 25–30 minutes

Ingredients

• 500 g minced beef or lamb

• 100 g finely chopped onion

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 60 g finely chopped fresh parsley

• 1 teaspoon sumac (optional)

• 4 large pita breads

• Olive oil spray, as needed

Instructions

Combine the minced meat, onion, parsley, salt, black pepper, and sumac (if using) in a large bowl. Mix until evenly combined.

Cut each pita bread in half to make 8 pockets. Carefully open each pocket and spread an even, not-too-thick layer of the meat mixture inside, reaching the edges to help it cook evenly.

Preheat a grill pan over medium heat and lightly spray it with olive oil. Grill the stuffed pita halves for 3–4 minutes per side, spraying with more oil if needed, until golden.

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Transfer the grilled arayes to an ovenproof dish and cover with aluminium foil.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked.

For extra-crispy pita, remove the foil during the final 3–5 minutes of baking.

Serve hot with fresh salad and tahini sauce or amba sauce.