Arayes (Crispy Meat Stuffed Pitas) Recipe

Introduction

Arayes are crispy pita pockets stuffed with a flavorful blend of spiced ground beef and feta cheese. This Middle Eastern favorite is perfect for a quick dinner or a satisfying snack, offering a delightful mix of textures and savory spices.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp dried mint
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• Black pepper, to taste
• 4 pita breads (about 6 inch diameter)
• Optional dip: lazy tzatziki
• Serve with lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled feta, minced garlic, olive oil, all the spices, and chopped parsley. Mix well using your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Step 2: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a thin half-moon patty. Slice each pita bread in half and carefully fill each pocket with one meat patty, spreading it evenly inside.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small drizzle of olive oil. Place the stuffed pitas in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, pressing gently to ensure even cooking. Don’t forget to sear the open meat side well. Maintain medium to medium-low heat to prevent burning while cooking through.
4. Step 4: Remove from the skillet once the meat is cooked through and the pitas are crispy and golden. Serve immediately with optional lazy tzatziki and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add finely chopped onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture before stuffing the pitas.
• Swap ground beef for ground lamb for a traditional twist.
• To make it vegetarian, use a spiced mixture of cooked lentils and crumbled feta instead of meat.
• Toast the pitas slightly before stuffing for an even crispier pocket.
• Serve with a side of fresh salad or pickles to balance the richness.

Storage

Store leftover arayes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pita soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare arayes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and stuff the pitas in advance. Keep them wrapped and refrigerated, then cook just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What is a good alternative dip if I don’t have tzatziki?

Hummus, garlic yogurt sauce, or a simple tahini sauce all pair wonderfully with arayes and complement the spices nicely.

Arayes (Crispy Meat Stuffed Pitas) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 126 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 8 arayes halves (serves 4) 1x

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Description

Arayes are deliciously crispy pita pockets stuffed with a seasoned ground beef and feta cheese mixture, pan-seared to perfection for a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired treat. Served with lemon wedges and optional lazy tzatziki dip, this recipe makes a perfect appetizer or snack with a crispy exterior and juicy, spiced filling.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon dried mint
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• Black pepper, to taste

Pita Breads

• 4 pita breads (about 6 inch diameter), cut in half

Optional

• Lazy tzatziki dip
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the meat filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled feta, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh parsley, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne, cinnamon, dried mint, ground cloves, and black pepper. Mix well using your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Form patties and stuff pitas: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into thin half-moon patties. Cut the pita breads in half to create pockets and fill each pita half with one meat patty, spreading the filling evenly within the pocket.
3. Preheat skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the arayes: Place the stuffed pita halves into the hot skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, ensuring the meat is cooked through and the outside is crispy. Pay special attention to searing the open meat side as well. Maintain medium to medium-low heat to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
5. Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm with lemon wedges and optional lazy tzatziki dip for added flavor.

Notes

• To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute pita breads with gluten-free flatbreads.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the spice level.
• Using fresh herbs like parsley enhances the flavor but can be substituted with dried parsley if fresh is unavailable.
• Ensure the skillet temperature is moderate to avoid burning the pita before the meat is cooked.
• Serving with lemon wedges adds a refreshing tang to balance the savory meat filling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Keywords: Arayes, pita stuffed with meat, Middle Eastern appetizer, crispy meat pita, ground beef pita