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Crispy & Juicy Lebanese Arayes

Crispy & Juicy Lebanese Arayes: A Flavorful Homemade Delight

Crispy & Juicy Lebanese Arayes are a delightful blend of seasoned ground beef tucked inside warm pita bread, perfect for a comforting and fast meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 pitas
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Opt for 80/20 for maximum juiciness. Substitute with ground lamb for a richer flavor.
  • 0.5 cup Parsley Freshens up the filling and adds color. Can swap with cilantro if preferred.
  • to taste Spices (e.g., cumin, paprika, salt) Essential for enhancing flavor profile. Adjust these to taste or add chili powder for extra kick.
For the Pitas
  • 4 pieces Pita Bread Ensure it's sturdy to hold all the fillings. Store-bought pita works well.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for grilling to add moisture and crispy texture. Vegetable oil can be a substitute.

Equipment

  • grill
  • oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine ground beef with finely chopped parsley and chosen spices. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated, creating a flavorful filling. Let it meld for about 5 minutes.
  2. Take pita breads and slice each in half to create pockets. Spoon the meat mixture into each half, pressing down slightly to ensure it stays contained. Avoid overfilling.
  3. Preheat your grill or oven to medium heat (about 375°F / 190°C). For grilling, brush the grate lightly with olive oil. For baking, arrange stuffed pitas on a lined baking sheet.
  4. Place the stuffed pitas on the grill or into the oven. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy, or until baked to a nice golden color with thoroughly cooked meat, checking internal temperature at 160°F.
  5. Remove the crispy Lebanese Arayes and allow them to rest for a minute. Slice each pita half in two, revealing juicy meat inside. Arrange on a platter and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pitaCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 18gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve fresh for best texture and flavor; they are most delicious warm and crispy.

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