Go Back
+ servings
Crispy Lebanese Arayes

Crispy Lebanese Arayes: Irresistibly Flavorful Pita Pockets

Crispy Lebanese Arayes are delectable grilled meat-stuffed pita pockets, perfect for a quick dinner or gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 1 minute
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 4 pockets
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Lebanese
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 1 pound Ground Lamb or Beef or chicken for a leaner option
  • 1 medium Red Onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Flat-leaf Parsley chopped
  • 1 medium Tomato grated or finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil for mixing and brushing
  • 4 pieces Lebanese-style Pita Bread avoid thick pitas
Optional Additions
  • 1 cup Gruyere Cheese optional
  • 1/2 cup Rao’s Sauce optional

Equipment

  • Grill
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • skillet

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, grated tomato, parsley, and spices. Drizzle in olive oil and mix gently until just combined.
  2. Take your Lebanese-style pita bread and cut each in half to create pockets. Spoon an appropriate amount of the meat mixture into each pocket.
  3. Lightly coat the outside of each stuffed pita with olive oil to promote a golden-brown crust.
  4. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium heat. Cook each side for about 3–4 minutes, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even browning.
  5. Once golden brown, remove the Arayes from the grill and allow them to rest for a minute before cutting into wedges. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pocketCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 18gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 430mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Avoid overworking the meat mixture to maintain tenderness. Adjust spices according to personal preference.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!