Crispy Arayes (Lebanese Meat Stuffed Pita)

Ingredients:

• Servings: 6
• Equipment: Made In Carbon Steel Griddle
• Tzatziki (for serving)
• 4-5 Pita Bread
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
• ½ Red Onion, finely chopped or grated
• 2-3 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
• (Optional) 1 tbsp Fresh Mint, chopped
• 1 Lemon (for zest)
• 2 tsp Paprika
• 2 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Ground All Spice

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint (if using), lemon zest, and all the seasonings (paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, all spice). Mix just until everything is combined. Let it marinate for 10-30 minutes if you have time.
3. Slice the pita breads in half to create pita pockets. Divide the meat mixture evenly between the pita halves and stuff the meat well into the pockets. Flatten the pitas slightly with your hands to help secure the meat inside.
4. Heat up the griddle over medium heat for 2 minutes.
5. Brush the arayes with olive oil. If you are making smaller arayes, slice the pita halves into quarters using a serrated knife.
6. Cook on the griddle: Place the stuffed pita on the griddle and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute on all sides, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Transfer to the oven: Place the cooked arayes onto the parchment-lined baking pan and finish cooking in the oven for 5-12 minutes, depending on how thick you’ve made the arayes.
8. Serve warm with tzatziki on the side for dipping.

Enjoy this crispy, flavorful dish of stuffed pita with tender ground beef and a refreshing tzatziki sauce! It’s a perfect appetizer or a main dish for your next meal.