Arayes: Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita Sandwiches with Spiced Ground Beef and Feta Recipe

Introduction

Arayes are delicious Middle Eastern stuffed pita sandwiches filled with a flavorful spiced meat mixture. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they make a perfect satisfying snack or meal, especially when paired with tangy lemon wedges and creamy tzatziki.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon dried mint
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• Black pepper, to taste
• 4 pita breads, about 6 inch diameter
• Optional dip: lazy tzatziki
• To serve: lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled feta, minced garlic, olive oil, all the spices, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly by hand until well combined. Shape the mixture into 8 equal half-moon shaped thin patties.
2. Step 2: Cut each pita bread in half to create pockets. Stuff each pita half evenly with one meat patty, spreading it out gently inside.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a light drizzle of olive oil. Place the stuffed pitas in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring the meat cooks through and the pita becomes crisp. Be sure to sear the open meat side as well, and keep the heat at medium or medium-low to avoid burning.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and serve warm with lemon wedges and optional lazy tzatziki for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
• Substitute ground lamb for beef for a richer taste.
• Try adding finely chopped onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra texture and flavor.
• Press the stuffed pita under a grill or sandwich press for an even crispier result.

Storage

Store leftover arayes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pita soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the meat mixture ahead of time?

Yes, the meat mixture can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just shape and cook the arayes when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with arayes besides tzatziki?

Arayes pair well with fresh salads, pickled vegetables, hummus, or a simple yogurt and cucumber dip. Lemon wedges also enhance the flavor nicely.

Arayes: Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita Sandwiches with Spiced Ground Beef and Feta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 87 reviews

Arayes are a delicious Middle Eastern dish featuring pita bread stuffed with a flavorful ground beef mixture and grilled to perfection in a skillet. Infused with aromatic spices, feta cheese, and fresh herbs, these savory stuffed pitas are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making for a perfect appetizer or main course. Served with lemon wedges and an optional lazy tzatziki dip, arayes offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes that bring a taste of the Levant to your table.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 arayes (4 pita breads, halved) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp dried mint
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• Black pepper, to taste
• 4 pita breads, about 6 inch diameter

Optional Serving

• Lazy tzatziki dip
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, all the spices (salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne, cinnamon, dried mint, ground cloves, and black pepper), and chopped fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into thin, half-moon shaped patties that will fit inside the pita halves.
3. Prepare Pitas: Cut each pita bread in half to create pockets. Place one meat patty inside each pita half, spreading the filling evenly within.
4. Preheat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Cook Arayes: Place the stuffed pita halves in the skillet, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Be sure to sear the open meat side carefully to ensure the filling cooks thoroughly. Maintain medium to medium-low heat to avoid burning while allowing the meat to fully cook through.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the arayes hot, accompanied by lemon wedges and optional lazy tzatziki dip for dipping.

Notes

• Use medium heat to avoid burning the pita before the meat is cooked through.
• Press the meat patties thin for even cooking and crispier pita.
• Variations can include using lamb instead of beef, or adding chopped onions for extra flavor.
• Serve immediately for best texture and taste; leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or oven.
• Lazy tzatziki can be made by mixing Greek yogurt with minced cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill.

Keywords: Arayes, Middle Eastern stuffed pita, ground beef pita, grilled stuffed pita, Lebanese dish, easy beef recipe