Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a delicious, crispy, and flavor-packed appetizer or snack, Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita) should be at the top of your list. With juicy spiced meat tucked inside warm pita bread and grilled to perfection, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s quick enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for parties. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)
- Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy days.
- Each bite is packed with juicy, spiced beef and crisp, toasted pita.
- It’s highly customizable in terms of fillings and heat.
- Great as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course.
- Kid-friendly and ideal for sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients for Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, finely diced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 4 round pita breads (about 8-inch diameter, not pocket-style)
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil, for brushing
How to Make Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef (or lamb), onion, garlic, parsley, tomato, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix thoroughly with your hands (or a sturdy spoon) until the mixture is well combined and slightly sticky.
Step 2: Stuff the Pita with Meat
- Cut each pita bread in half to create semi-circles. Carefully open each piece to form a pocket.
- Fill each pocket with 2–3 tablespoons of the meat mixture, spreading evenly to cover edge-to-edge. Press gently to form a thin, even layer (about 1/4 inch thick).
Step 3: Grill or Bake Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)
- To Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400°F/200°C). Brush both sides of the stuffed pita with olive oil.
- Grill for 4–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden and crunchy and meat is cooked through.
- To Oven Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place pita halves on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Notes & Expert Tips for Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)
- Use freshly ground beef or lamb for juicier Arayes. Learn more about choosing the best ground meat.
- Don’t overfill the pita; a thin, even layer cooks better and gets crispier.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or sumac to the meat mixture.
Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita) Variations
- Cheesy Arayes: Add shredded mozzarella or feta to the filling for a gooey surprise.
- Vegetarian Arayes: Swap meat with a blend of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and spices.
- Spicy Arayes: Mix in chopped jalapeños or harissa paste for a fiery twist.
Equipment Needed for Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Grill or oven
- Basting brush for olive oil
- Spatula or tongs
- Baking tray (for oven method)
Storage & Shelf Life for Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for best crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the bread chewy.
- You can freeze cooked Arayes for up to 2 months—let thaw and re-crisp in the oven.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)
- Serve with fresh tomato-cucumber salad, tahini sauce (homemade recipe), or minted yogurt dip.
- Pair with pickled vegetables or tabbouleh for a refreshing contrast.
- Great with a glass of cold lemonade or ayran (salty yogurt drink).
Pro Tips for the Best Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)
- Use thin pita so the meat cooks quickly and evenly. Explore more about choosing authentic pita.
- Always press the filled pita gently to ensure the meat is compact and touches both surfaces for maximum flavor and crispness.
- For richer flavor, let the meat filling marinate for 30 minutes before stuffing.
FAQs about Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)
- Can I make Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita) ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to a day in advance; grill or bake when ready to serve.
- What meat is best for Arayes?
- Either ground beef or lamb works well; use at least 20% fat for extra juiciness.
- How do I keep Arayes crispy and not soggy?
- Brush with olive oil and cook at high heat—avoid overcrowding your pan or grill for maximum crunch.
Prep time: 12 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 27 minutes | Yield: 8 pieces (serves 4 as an appetizer)
Ingredients
- 4 round pita breads
- 400g ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
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1In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomato, parsley, cumin, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
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2Cut each pita bread in half to form pockets. Carefully open the pocket and fill each with an even layer of the meat mixture, pressing gently to spread it evenly.
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3Brush both sides of the stuffed pita halves with olive oil.
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4Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the stuffed pitas for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp, and the meat is cooked through.
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5Serve the Arayes hot with a side of fresh salad or yogurt dip as desired.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
340cal
Protein:
18gg
Fat:
16gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
31gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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