Arayes (Lebanese Crispy Meat Stuffed Pita)

• servings: 4 servings
• active time: 15 minutes
• total time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

12 ounces ground lamb

1/4 cup chopped parsley

3 cloves garlic

3 tablespoons yellow onion

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon tahini

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon water

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 clove garlic,

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

2 pita breads

3 tablespoons olive oil

lemon wedges (

Directions

Add meat to a bowl and sprinkle with parsley, minced garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, allspice, 1 teaspoon cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything evenly. Cover and chill at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours.

For the sauce, add tahini, lemon juice, and water to a microwave-safe bowl and cook on High until very hot, about 30 seconds. Add to a bowl with yogurt, grated garlic, pinch cayenne, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until smooth and light. Chill until needed.

Cut each pita in half and carefully open up without tearing the edges. Pitas can be warmed in a dry pan to soften them, which can make opening easier.

Divide meat into 4 equal portions, and transfer into each pita half. Press and squeeze pita gently to distribute meat in an even layer that comes all the way to the cut side.

Heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook each stuffed pita until meat is cooked through and bread is nicely browned and crispy, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Serve hot with sauce on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 553 kcal
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 84 mg
• Sodium: 801 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 39 g
• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
• Total Sugars: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g