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Crispy Stuffed Pitas (Arayes) Recipe

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3.9 from 6 reviews

Arayes are crispy stuffed pita pockets filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef and Middle Eastern spices, baked to golden perfection. This delightful dish combines tender, spiced meat with the crisp texture of toasted pita, perfect as an appetizer or main course served with dips like tahini, hummus, or tzatziki.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Meat Filling

  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 small white onion, finely diced
  • ⅓ cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons coriander
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Pitas and Butter

  • 4 pitas (6-inch diameter, cut in half to make 8 pockets)
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted (or substitute with olive oil)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with a wire rack to allow air circulation and even crisping of the pitas.
  2. Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely diced onion, parsley, minced garlic, coriander, cumin, paprika, optional cinnamon and cayenne pepper, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand until all ingredients are well blended.
  3. Stuff Pitas: Cut each pita in half to create 8 pockets. Open each pocket carefully and stuff each with about ¼ cup of the meat mixture. Press the stuffing firmly and evenly across the entire pocket, ensuring a thin and uniform layer reaching all edges for even cooking.
  4. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter and garlic powder to create a flavorful brush-on glaze.
  5. Brush and Season: Brush both sides of each stuffed pita pocket generously with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt on top for balanced seasoning. Arrange the stuffed pitas on the wire rack atop the baking sheet.
  6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through baking, flip each pita to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.
  7. Optional Broil: For an extra crispy finish, broil the pitas for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  8. Serve: Remove the crispy arayes from the oven and immediately arrange them on a platter. Serve hot alongside traditional Middle Eastern dips like tahini sauce, hummus, or tzatziki.

Notes

  • If you prefer a healthier fat option, substitute the salted butter with olive oil for brushing the pitas.
  • Adjust spices like cinnamon and cayenne pepper to taste or omit to suit your preference.
  • You can prepare the meat filling a few hours in advance and refrigerate for enhanced flavor development.
  • Using a wire rack while baking helps keep the pitas crispy by preventing sogginess from trapped steam.
  • Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or regular oven to restore crispiness.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/crispy-stuffed-pitas-arayes-recipe/