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Crispy Lebanese Arayes

Crispy Lebanese Arayes: Flavor-Packed Pita Pockets You’ll Love

Crispy Lebanese Arayes are grilled meat-stuffed pita pockets bursting with flavors, perfect for gatherings and customizable to your taste.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 pockets
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Lebanese
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 pound ground lamb or beef Halal-friendly filling
  • 1 red onion finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato grated or minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
For the Pita Pockets
  • 4 Lebanese-style pita bread thin and pocket-style
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing
Optional Ingredients
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese shredded
  • 2 tablespoons Rao's sauce optional for sweetness

Equipment

  • grill
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb or beef, minced garlic, and finely chopped red onion. Add grated tomato, chopped parsley, and spices; mix well. Drizzle with olive oil to bind.
  2. Carefully cut Lebanese-style pita breads in half to create pockets. Spoon the meat filling inside each half, adding cheese or Rao's sauce if desired. Close gently.
  3. Brush the outside of each stuffed pita pocket generously with olive oil for a crispy texture when grilling.
  4. Preheat your grill or skillet. Cook the oil-brushed pita pockets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and meat is cooked.
  5. Remove from heat, let rest briefly, and cut into wedges for serving. Pair with garlic sauce or a salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pocketCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Don’t overmix the filling to keep it tender. Use fresh spices and adjust ingredient portions to suit your taste. These can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for convenience.

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