Arayes

Serves 2
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Directions

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Grate your onion and squeeze every last drop of liquid out using paper towel or cheesecloth.
  3. 3In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, tomato paste, minced garlic, all the spices, parsley, cilantro (if using), and that very dry grated onion.
  4. 4Mix with your hands for about 2 minutes.
  5. 5Cut each pita in half.
  6. 6If they don’t already have a pocket, carefully use a knife to make one.
  7. 7Pack them with your beef mixture, ensuring they are full but not bursting.
  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 you get that gorgeous crust.
  11. 11Then sear the pita sides until golden and crisp.
  12. 12Transfer the seared arayes to a baking sheet and finish them in the oven for 10–15 minutes, until fully cooked through.
  13. 13While they bake, whisk together all the garlic tahini sauce ingredients in a bowl.
  14. 14Taste and adjust lemon, salt, or garlic levels to your liking.
  15. 15When the arayes are hot out of the oven, optionally brush them with melted garlic herb butter.

Ingredients

  • 4 small pitas, cut in half
  • 1 yellow onion, grated & squeezed dry
  • 7 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.33 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.33 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 0.5 cup Greek yogurt
  • 3 tbsp tahini
  • 0.5 lemon, juiced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika

Equipment

ovenpaper towelcheeseclothlarge bowlknifeskilletbaking sheet