Arayes With Tahini Sauce

 

Ingredients

For Arayes:

• 500 grams ground lamb
• 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup parsley (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup cilantro (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp mint (finely chopped)
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 6 mini pitas
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For Tahini Sauce:

• 4 tbsp tahini
• 4 tbsp water
• 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Arayes:

1. Mix Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, combine lamb, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, mint, paprika, cumin powder, coriander, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands.

2. Prepare Pitas:

   • Cut mini pitas in half.
   • Place about 2 tablespoons of the lamb mixture inside each pita half and press down gently.
   • Repeat with remaining mixture and pitas, then cut stuffed pitas in half.

3. Cook Arayes:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
   • Cook stuffed pitas on all sides for about 20 minutes, or until lamb is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
   • If meat is not fully cooked after browning, finish cooking in a 400°F oven for about 5-6 minutes.

Tahini Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, water, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
   • Add more water if necessary to reach desired consistency.

Serve:

• Serve Arayes with tahini sauce and enjoy!