Arayes

30m
Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Add allspice, pepper, salt, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and tomato paste to the ground beef.
  2. 2Add minced garlic to the beef mixture.
  3. 3Add grated and squeezed dry onion to the beef mixture.
  4. 4Add chopped parsley and cilantro to the beef mixture.
  5. 5Add olive oil to the beef mixture and mix everything well with your hands for about 2 minutes.
  6. 6Cut small pitas in half and carefully use a knife to create a pocket if they don't have one.
  7. 7Stuff each pita half with the beef mixture.
  8. 8Brush the outsides of the stuffed pitas lightly with olive oil.
  9. 9Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
  10. 10Place each arayes meat-side down and sear for 1-2 minutes until a gorgeous crust forms.
  11. 11Sear the pita sides until golden and crisp.
  12. 12Transfer the seared arayes to a baking sheet.
  13. 13Finish the arayes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until fully cooked through.
  14. 14Add Greek yogurt to a bowl.
  15. 15Add fresh garlic and lemon juice to the Greek yogurt.
  16. 16Add tahini to the mixture.
  17. 17Add salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin to the sauce mixture.
  18. 18Add fresh parsley and cilantro to the sauce mixture.
  19. 19Add olive oil to the sauce and whisk all ingredients together until well combined.
  20. 20Optionally brush the hot arayes out of the oven with melted garlic herb butter.

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 7 cloves garlic
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 0.33 cup parsley
  • 0.33 cup cilantro
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 small pita bread
  • 0.5 cup Greek yogurt
  • 0.5 lemon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic
  • 3 tbsp tahini
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika

Equipment

bowlgraterknifebaking sheetskilletgarlic press

Tips

  • Squeeze all liquid out of the grated onion to prevent soggy arayes.
  • Stuff the pita pockets fully but not to bursting to avoid ripping.
  • Optionally brush with melted garlic herb butter after baking for enhanced flavor.