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Meat Stuffed Pitas (Arayes)

Delicious meat stuffed pitas filled with a savory mixture of ground beef or lamb, grilled to crispy perfection.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Grill or Grill Pan

Ingredients
  

Meat Filling

  • 1 pound Ground beef or lamb Choose a blend with some fat for juiciness.
  • 1 medium Onion, finely chopped Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced Elevates the overall taste.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, finely chopped Adds freshness and color.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin Brings a warm, distinctive flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground coriander Enhances the dish with citrusy notes.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Adds color and mild sweetness.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Essential for seasoning.

Pita Bread

  • 4 large Pita breads Serves as the vessel for the filling.

For Grilling

  • to brush tablespoon Olive oil Helps achieve a crispy exterior.

For Serving

  • 1 lemon Lemon wedges Brightens the flavors.
  • optional Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and tahini sauce For garnish and added freshness.

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Cut the pita breads in half to form pockets.
  • Stuff each pita half with the meat mixture, pressing down slightly to fit snugly.
  • Brush the exterior of the stuffed pitas with olive oil.
  • Place the stuffed pitas on the grill, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove the pitas from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before slicing into smaller pieces for serving.
  • Serve warm with lemon wedges and optional toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, and tahini sauce.

Notes

Feel free to customize the filling with different meats or add vegetables for a unique twist.
Keyword Easy