Print

Easy Arayes

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Arayes are crispy Middle Eastern stuffed pita sandwiches filled with seasoned ground beef or lamb, fresh herbs, and warm spices. These grilled or baked meat-stuffed pitas are juicy on the inside and golden on the outside, making arayes a perfect appetizer, snack, or quick dinner served with yogurt sauce, tahini, or fresh salads.

Ingredients

  • 4 pita breads

  • 1 pound ground beef or lamb

  • 1 small onion, finely grated

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)

  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, paprika, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

  • Cut each pita bread in half to create pockets. Carefully open each pocket without tearing the bread.

  • Stuff a thin, even layer of the meat mixture inside each pita pocket, spreading it evenly.

  • Lightly brush the outside of each stuffed pita with olive oil.

  • Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed pitas in the pan.

  • Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until the pita is crispy and the meat is fully cooked.

  • Alternatively, bake the stuffed pitas in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until golden and cooked through.

  • Remove from heat and cut each pita into halves or quarters.

  • Serve warm with lemon wedges and dipping sauces like yogurt sauce or tahini.

Notes

Spread the meat filling in a thin layer so it cooks evenly inside the pita.Brushing the outside of the pita with olive oil helps create a crispy golden crust.Grilling the arayes adds a smoky flavor and extra crispiness.These can also be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 7–9 minutes.

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/easy-arayes/