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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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
