Arayes Recipe: Crispy Middle Eastern Meat-Stuffed Pita

ground lamb

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground beef is often less expensive.

pita bread

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pita

💰Cheaper: flatbread

Whole wheat pita adds fiber, while flatbread is often cheaper.

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: chopped walnuts

Sunflower seeds are lower in calories, while walnuts are more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, while canola oil is usually cheaper.

Chop 1 medium onion, 1 tiny green chili, and a handful of parsley.

Blend the chopped aromatics until fine, then drain excess moisture using kitchen paper if necessary.

Combine the drained aromatics with minced beef in a bowl.

Add 1 tbsp of sundried tomato paste, 1 tsp of baharat, 1 tsp of allspice, Aleppo pepper, black pepper, and salt to the meat mixture.

Mix the filling thoroughly, squeezing to ensure the meat is coated with the spices and aromatics.

Cut pita bread in half to create pockets.

Stuff each pita half with the meat mixture, ensuring not to overload them.

Brush oil on the outside of the stuffed pita.

Heat a griddle or frying pan and lightly grease it with oil.

Place the stuffed pita on the griddle, oiled side down, and cook for about 3 minutes.

Press down on the pita while cooking to ensure the meat cooks through.

Flip the pita over, grease the top side, and cook for another 3 minutes, pressing down again.

If browning too quickly, reduce heat to medium and char the sides for about 1 minute.

Remove from heat and serve hot.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens