Mediterranean

Arayes (Lebanese Meat Stuffed Pitas)

Arayes or Lebanese Meat Stuffed Pitas are a Middle Eastern street food that makes a great meal, snack or addition to an appetizer platter. These are stuffed pita with the Mediterranean ground beef mixture along with diced tomatoes and fresh herbs and heat them in a skillet until crispy. You can serve them with hummus or yogurt sauce and garnish with fresh parsley and a Lebanese salad.

  • Prep20 min
  • Cook10 min
  • Total30 min
  • Makes4 servings
  • Calories710
Arayes (Lebanese Meat Stuffed Pitas)

Method

  1. 1

    In a large skillet heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, salt, pepper, garlic and spices and cook until the beef is browned. Optional: you can add in the pine nuts at this step if you want.

  2. 2

    Drain the beef and add to a large mixing bowl. Mix in the parsley, pine nuts {optional} and tomato paste with the ground beef and mix well.

  3. 3

    Cut the pita rounds into triangesl. Lay the pita out on a cutting board and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into each pita.

  4. 4

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brush each side of the stuffed pita with olive oil. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the pita is golden brown and crispy and the beef is heated through.

  5. 5

    Serve warm with Lebanese salad and parsley for garnish and hummus or tahini sauce on the side.

Notes

Air Fry: Heat air fryer to 350°F. Cook arayes for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Bake: Spread olive oil on each side of the stuffed pita. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes per side until the pita is crispy and the beef is cooked through. Make Ahead: The beef mixture can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Stuff and cook pitas fresh when ready to serve. Freezer: Cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes from frozen.

Per serving

  • Carbs44 g
  • Protein28 g
  • Fat47 g
  • Fiber3 g

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