Crispy Lebanese Arayes

• servings: 3

Ingredients

Ingredients

•2 Pita Bread

•2 tbsp. Olive Oil

•1 lb. Lean Ground Beef

•½ Red Onion, very finely chopped or grated

•2-3 Garlic Cloves, minced

•2 tbsp. Fresh Parsley, chopped

•(Optional) 1 tbsp. Fresh Mint, chopped

•1 Lemon

•2 tsp. EACH: Paprika, sumac, & Ground Cumin

•1 tsp. EACH: Salt, Black Pepper, cinnamon, & Ground All Spice

Toum or Tatziki, for serving

Directions

1Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking pan with foil.

2In a bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon zest, and seasonings. Mix just until combined. If time allows, let marinate for 10-30 minutes.

3Slice the pita breads in half to create pita pockets. Evenly divide the meat mixture out between the halve pitas, then stuff well into the pitas. Make sure there is 1/4 inch at least in each and the meat extends to the edge. Will make different amounts depending on how you form it. Flatten slightly with your hands to secure the meat inside.

4Heat up the griddle over medium heat for 2 minutes.

5Brush the arayes with olive oil and place some in pan. If making smaller arayes, use a serrated knife to slice the pita halves into quarters.

6Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute on all sides, until golden brown and crispy.

7Transfer to the baking sheet to finish cooking in the oven 5-12 minutes, depending on how thick you make the arayes.