5.0 from 6 votes
Arayes
Arayes, Crispy Middle Eastern Burger Stuffed Pitas are delicious and so easy to make! This popular Lebanese street food is seasoned ground beef and cheese cooked inside of pita bread either on the stovetop or in the oven. These unique burgers will be a hit with everyone!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 329 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Ingredients
- 1 medium white onion roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1 lb lean ground beef *
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste or pomegranate molasses
- 1 teaspoon EACH allspice, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, paprika, salt
- 4 pita breads
- ½ cup shredded cheese of choice optional
- Olive oil for brushing
- Serve with shawarma sauce
Instructions
- In a small food processor, pulse the chopped onion, garlic, and parsley until fine. You can also do this using a knife.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the onion mixture, ground beef, tomato paste, and spices. Mix until fully combined.
- Cut your pita breads in half or 1/4th and very carefully open them up. Place about 1/4 cup of the mixture into each pita pocket and press to evenly distribute, until about 1 inch thick. If desired, add a layer of shredded cheese of choice into the pita pocket. You can also use yellow american or cheddar cheese slices if desired.
- Stove-top Method: Heat a large heavy duty skillet or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil both sides of the stuffed pita bread and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down with a spatula until golden and cooked through.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400F. Lightly oil both sides of the stuffed pita and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until cooked through, about 12-15 minutes. Or you can air fry on 400℉ for 12-15 minutes flipping halfway.
- Serve with Tzaakiti or shawarma sauce. Garnish with fresh red onions and lemon slices.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- *can use ground lamb or chicken too
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
329kcal
(16%)
Carbohydrates
36g
(12%)
Protein
30g
(60%)
Fat
6g
(9%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
Trans Fat
0.4g
Cholesterol
70mg
(23%)
Sodium
410mg
(17%)
Potassium
572mg
(16%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
380IU
(8%)
Vitamin C
9mg
(10%)
Calcium
77mg
(8%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 329
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 329kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 70mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 410mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 572mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 380IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 77mg | 8% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.