Arayes (Lebanese Beef-Stuffed Pitas)
Arayes (Lebanese Beef-Stuffed Pitas) are filled with seasoned ground beef, then pan-fried until crispy and served with Lemon Yogurt Sauce.
Servings: 4
Calories: 377kcal
Equipment
- Box Grater optional, for grating onion
- Microplane for zesting the lemon
- Kitchen scale optional, to portion out the meat filling
- Large cast-iron or non-stick skillet plus a lid that fits
- 2 Baking sheet one with a wire rack
Ingredients
Arayes
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion minced fine or grated
- 2 Tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 2 Tablespoons plain Greek yogurt 2% or higher milkfat
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or MSG-salt
- 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil for brushing onto the arayes
Lemon Yogurt Sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt 2% or higher milkfat
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 6-inch pitas cut in half (use gluten-free pitas to make your arayes gluten-free)
Instructions
Arayes
- In a medium bowl, mix together 1 pound lean ground beef, the grated or minced onion, 2 Tablespoons minced fresh parsley, 2 Tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 1 Tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon coriander, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. You can do this with your hands or with a large spoon. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
- Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions (the most accurate way to do this is to use a kitchen scale). Use a spoon to stuff the mixture into each of the pita halves, making sure to get it all the way to the edges (note that if your pitas are brittle and tearing, warm them in the microwave, stacking them and wrapping in a clean, damp towel first). Lay the stuffed pitas on a baking sheet, and brush all sides of the arayes lightly with olive oil.
- Heat a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place four of the arayes with the open (meaty) side down and cook until the beef is well-browned, about 3-5 minutes. Turn the arayes to one of the flat sides, and cook, covered, until the beef reaches 160°F in the center, turning the arayes occasionally as needed until they're browned on both sides. Reduce the heat as needed if the pitas are browning too much before the meat is fully cooked.
- Place the first batch of cooked arayes on a second baking sheet that has been fitted with a wire rack, and place the baking sheet in the oven at 200°F to keep warm. Repeat the previous step with the second batch of arayes. Serve the arayes warm with the lemon yogurt sauce. Serve with a green salad or cooked vegetable side to make a complete meal.
Lemon Yogurt Sauce
- Stir together ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, the minced garlic, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Cover and place in the fridge while you cook the arayes.
Nutrition
Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 1003mg | Potassium: 616mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 447IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 4mg
