Name: Arayes: Grilled or Baked Pita Sandwiches Filled with Spiced Ground Meat and Served with Tahini Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 Medium white onion, roughly chopped; ¼ cup fresh parsley; 1 ½ lbs extra lean ground beef (alternatively ground lamb or chicken); 1 tbsp baharat (7-spice blend); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp sumac; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 3-4 thin pita breads; Olive oil, for brushing; 2 tbsp tahini; 2 tbsp lemon juice; Cold water, to thin the sauce; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Introduction

Arayes are delicious Middle Eastern stuffed pita pockets filled with spiced ground meat. They are crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside, making them perfect for a satisfying meal or snack.

The image shows a white, rectangular plate with five triangular pieces of stuffed flatbread, each folded over a brown meat filling. The flatbread has a light golden color with grill marks and a slightly crispy texture. Fresh green herbs are scattered on top of the flatbread pieces, adding color contrast. At the top of the plate, there is a white bowl with a creamy white sauce sprinkled with a few dark red spices, and a silver spoon resting inside the bowl. The plate is placed on a soft gray cloth with white stripes, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley
1 ½ lbs extra lean ground beef (can substitute ground lamb or chicken)
1 tbsp baharat (7-spice blend)
1 tsp garlic powder (adjust to taste)
1 tsp sumac
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3-4 thin pita breads
Olive oil, for brushing
2 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp lemon juice
Cold water, as needed to thin sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste (for sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small food processor, pulse the chopped onion and parsley until finely minced.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion-parsley mixture, sumac, baharat, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly. Fry a small spoonful of the mixture to taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Cut each pita bread in half. Carefully open each half to create a pocket without tearing.
Step 4: Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, fill each pita pocket with about two portions of the meat mixture.
Step 5: Spread the meat evenly all around inside the pita using a butter knife.
Step 6: To cook on a grill pan or skillet, lightly brush the stuffed pita with olive oil and grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until the meat is cooked and grill marks form.
Step 7: Alternatively, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the stuffed pitas with olive oil and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
Step 8 (Optional): To make tahini sauce, whisk together tahini and lemon juice in a bowl until it forms a paste. Add cold water a tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth dipping consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Tips & Variations

For more flavor, add finely chopped garlic or a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture.
Substitute ground beef with lamb or chicken for different tastes.
If you prefer, toast the pita pockets slightly before filling to help prevent sogginess.
Serve with a side of fresh salad or pickles to complement the savory meat.

Storage

Store cooked Arayes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pita from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a black round plate with several pieces of flatbread stuffed with cooked ground meat, sliced and stacked in a fan shape. The flatbread is golden brown with charred spots and visible layers of tender, juicy meat inside. On the side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with a creamy white sauce topped with a sprinkle of red spices. Two bright yellow lemon wedges rest beside the bowl. In the background, there is a black pot and a woman's hand holding a piece of the flatbread, with the scene set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Arayes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and stuff the pita pockets ahead, then refrigerate them. Cook just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Is tahini sauce necessary?

The tahini sauce is optional but highly recommended as it adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the savory meat. You can also serve Arayes with yogurt or a simple garlic sauce.