Arayes (Meat Stuffed Pitas)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy exterior with a juicy, savory meat filling.
• Uses simple ingredients found in most kitchens.
• Quick to prepare and cook.
• Great for entertaining or weeknight dinners.
• Easily adaptable with different spices or toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pita bread
• Ground beef or lamb
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Tomato paste (optional)
• Parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• Spices such as cumin, paprika, cinnamon, or allspice

Directions

1. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the ground meat with onion, garlic, parsley, spices, salt, and pepper. Add a small amount of olive oil or tomato paste if using for extra moisture.
3. Cut the pitas in halves or quarters to form pockets.
4. Stuff each pita piece with a thin layer of the meat mixture, pressing to distribute evenly.
5. Brush the outside of the pitas lightly with olive oil.
6. Grill or bake for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the meat is cooked through and the bread is crispy.
7. Serve warm with tahini sauce, yogurt, or fresh vegetables.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 22–25 minutes

Variations

• Use lamb, beef, or a mix of both for richer flavor.
• Add finely chopped tomatoes or bell peppers to the filling.
• Mix in chili flakes or fresh chili for heat.
• Add a tablespoon of pomegranate molasses to the meat mixture for sweetness and tang.
• Use whole-wheat pitas or mini pitas for bite-size servings.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled arayes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for about 5–7 minutes until crisp again.
Avoid microwaving, as it softens the bread.
You can freeze uncooked stuffed pitas for up to 2 months; cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

FAQs

Can I make arayes with chicken?

Yes, ground chicken works well, but add a bit of olive oil to keep the filling moist.

How thin should the meat layer be?

A thin, even layer is best to ensure the meat cooks fully without burning the pita.

Can I cook arayes in a pan?

Yes, cook them in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, pressing gently and flipping until cooked through.

How do I prevent the pitas from burning?

Brush lightly with oil and cook over medium, not high, heat. Flip halfway through.

Can I add cheese to the filling?

Yes, a small amount of shredded mozzarella or halloumi can be added for extra richness.

Are arayes spicy?

Not traditionally, but you can add chili powder or flakes for heat.

Can I use store-bought pita?

Yes, store-bought pita works perfectly, just choose thicker pitas so they don’t tear.

What dips go well with arayes?

Tahini sauce, garlic yogurt, cucumber yogurt, or hummus pair beautifully.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

You can stuff the pitas and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Why is my meat filling dry?

Add a bit of olive oil, grated onion, or tomato paste to increase moisture.

Conclusion

Arayes are a simple yet flavorful Middle Eastern dish that delivers crispy bread and juicy, seasoned meat in every bite. With easy preparation, versatile seasoning options, and excellent pairing with dips and salads, they’re a delicious addition to any meal or gathering.

Arayes (Meat Stuffed Pitas)

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Arayes are Middle Eastern pita pockets filled with seasoned ground meat and grilled or baked until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They’re quick, flavorful, and perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling or Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 4 pita breads
• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon or allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground meat, onion, garlic, parsley, spices, salt, pepper, and olive oil or tomato paste if using.
3. Cut pitas in halves or quarters to create pockets.
4. Stuff each pita piece with a thin, even layer of the meat mixture.
5. Brush the outside of the pitas lightly with olive oil.
6. Grill or bake for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until meat is cooked and bread is crispy.
7. Serve warm with tahini, yogurt, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

• Use ground lamb, beef, or a mix for deeper flavor.
• Thin meat layer ensures proper cooking without burning the bread.
• Add pomegranate molasses or chili flakes for extra flavor.
• Store uncooked arayes in the freezer and cook from frozen when needed.
• Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispness—avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 65mg