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Crispy & Juicy Lebanese Arayes Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 93 reviews

Lebanese Arayes are a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring ground beef mixed with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, stuffed into warm pita bread pockets, then grilled, pan-seared, or baked until crispy on the outside and juicy inside. This quick and flavorful recipe offers a perfect blend of savory beef, cumin, cinnamon, and parsley, making it an ideal appetizer or main dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • ½ lb (225g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
  • ½ small onion, grated
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 (6-inch) pita breads, halved to form 4 pockets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

Optional Add-ins

  • ¼ tsp chili flakes for heat
  • 1 tbsp tahini for extra flavor
  • Chopped pine nuts for crunch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Stuff the pita: Cut each pita bread in half carefully to open the pockets without tearing. Fill each pocket with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture and press the filling flat inside the pita to ensure even cooking.
  3. Brush and flatten: Lightly brush both sides of each stuffed pita half with olive oil. Press gently again to evenly distribute the filling and help the sandwich stay together.
  4. Cook: You have three cooking options:
    • Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat and cook the stuffed pitas for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
    • Skillet: Use a dry nonstick skillet over medium heat, cooking each side until golden brown, flipping carefully to avoid tearing.
    • Bake: Place the stuffed pitas on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.
  5. Serve hot: After cooking, let the arayes rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm with sides like hummus, labneh, or fattoush salad for an authentic Lebanese meal.

Notes

  • Use 80/20 ground beef to keep the filling juicy and flavorful.
  • Grate onions finely so they blend well with the meat.
  • Avoid overstuffing the pita to prevent splitting or uneven cooking.
  • Brushing with olive oil is essential to achieve a crispy exterior.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze uncooked stuffed pitas wrapped in foil for up to 2 months; cook from frozen adding a few extra minutes.
  • Reheat in oven or skillet rather than microwave to retain crispiness.
  • Pair with classic Lebanese sides like tabbouleh, pickled turnips, or roasted eggplant.

Keywords: Lebanese Arayes, Middle Eastern, ground beef pita, grilled meat pita, Lebanese appetizers, spiced beef pita sandwich, quick Lebanese recipe

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/crispy-and-juicy-lebanese-arayes-recipe/