Description
At its core, arayes is a classic Middle Eastern street food. You make it by stuffing fresh pita pockets. Use raw, heavily seasoned ground meat. Cook them until the bread becomes delightfully toasted. The meat cooks through directly inside the bread. Beef can sometimes be used. However, authentic recipes traditionally lean on ground lamb. Lamb offers a rich flavor profile. It also has a high natural moisture content. The meat cooks within the pita. Its natural juices seep into the inner layers. Rendered fat adds incredible flavor. This creates a tender interior. An ultra-crispy outer crust shields the filling.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lamb Arayes
- 1 lb (450 g) halal ground lamb
- 4 pita breads
- 1 small onion, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Tahini Yogurt Sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1–2 tbsp water, as needed
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the lamb filling:
In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated. - Fill the pita:
Cut each pita into halves to create pockets. Carefully open each pocket and spread a thin, even layer of the lamb mixture inside. Avoid overfilling so the pita cooks evenly. - Brush with oil:
Lightly brush the outside of each stuffed pita with olive oil. - Cook:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the arayes for about 4–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the pita is crisp and golden and the lamb is fully cooked. You can also bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Make the tahini yogurt sauce:
Whisk together the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Add water a little at a time until you reach a smooth, dipping consistency. - Serve:
Cut the arayes into wedges and serve hot with the tahini yogurt sauce.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 arayes
- Calories: 420 kcal
Keywords: Middle Eastern stuffed pita, grilled lamb pita pockets, spiced meat stuffed bread, Lebanese lamb arayes