Meat Stuffed Pitas (Arayes)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
444 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
Lebanese
Meat Stuffed Pitas (Arayes)
Description
Meat Stuffed Pitas (Arayes) bring together a combination of ground beef blended with fresh parsley and a carefully balanced blend of Middle Eastern spices including 7 spice, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and a touch of cayenne for mild heat. The meat filling is stuffed inside pita bread, which is pulled apart slightly to hold the filling securely. Cooking options include pan-frying on medium heat in olive oil until the pita crisps and the meat is cooked through or baking in the oven with a light spray of olive oil for a golden finish. The result is a pita sandwich with a crispy exterior and a juicy, aromatic meat center.
The blend of warm spices and fresh herbs ensures depth of flavor, while the moderate amount of cayenne pepper adds subtle kick without overpowering. Cooking the stuffed pita on the stovetop in olive oil crisps the bread nicely, whereas oven baking offers a convenient hands-off method yielding a similar texture.
These Arayes can be enjoyed hot and are traditionally served with plain yogurt to complement the spices and add a cool contrast. They are suitable for lunch, casual dinners, or as a satisfying snack. The recipe provides flexibility for cooking method preference and portion size, making it practical for various serving situations.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80-85% lean
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
- 1 yellow onion minced, small
- 2 teaspoons 7 spice seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Coriander
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 2 pita bread double-ply
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for stovetop cooking
- olive oil for oven baking, spray form
Instructions
- Place the ground beef, parsley, onions, 7 Spice, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix until well combined.
- Cut each pita into fourth. Pull part the two sides of pita. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture
Stovetop Instructions
- Heat a grill pan or regular pan on medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Place four of the stuffed pitas on the grill pan and cook until the pita is golden in color and beef is cooked to your liking, about 7-10 minutes total. Repeat with the remaining olive oil and the remaining stuffed pitas.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place the stuffed pitas on a baking dish and spray with olive oil cooking spray. Bake until the pita is golden and crispy and the beef is cooked to your liking, about 8-10 minutes.
- Serve hot with plain yogurt for dipping, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 444 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 444kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 81mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 537mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 429mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 644IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 65mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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