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Middle Eastern Meat-Stuffed Pita (Arayes) with Tzatziki and Fresh Herbs Recipe

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3.9 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Eliza
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Arayes are delicious Middle Eastern pita sandwiches stuffed with spiced meat and grilled to perfection until crispy. This recipe offers two variations with either lean ground beef or ground chicken mixed with fresh herbs and warming spices. Each pita half is filled, flattened, and pan-cooked to golden crispness, making a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for sharing with family or friends. Served with tangy lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and cooling tzatziki, arayes deliver a satisfying combination of textures and Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

Beef Arayes

  • 3 pitas (5-6 inches in diameter), halved
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small-medium yellow onion, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated or pressed
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 6 tbsp fresh minced mint
  • 2 tbsp fresh minced basil
  • 1 jalapeno (seeds removed), minced
  • lemon wedges (for serving)
  • 1-2 tbsp fresh minced parsley (for garnish)
  • 1/2-1 cup tzatziki (for dipping)

Chicken Arayes Variation

  • 3 pitas (5-6 inches in diameter), halved
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 small-medium red onion, grated
  • 4 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 4 tbsp minced fresh mint
  • 2 tbsp minced fresh basil
  • 1 jalapeno (seeds removed), minced
  • lemon wedges (for serving)
  • fresh basil or mint (for garnish)
  • tzatziki (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Make the beef meat filling: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated yellow onion, grated or pressed garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon zest, fresh mint, fresh basil, and minced jalapeno. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Portion and shape beef filling: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a semi-circle slightly smaller than half a pita.
  3. Stuff the pita halves: Carefully open each pita half and place one flattened meat portion inside. Close the pita and gently press to flatten the sandwich, aiming for about a half-inch thickness of meat within.
  4. Cook the beef arayes: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, place two stuffed pita halves in the pan. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes, pressing down slightly, until the pita is golden brown and crispy. Repeat with remaining pita halves, adding more olive oil as needed.
  5. Serve the beef arayes: Plate the cooked arayes and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over, a sprinkle of minced fresh parsley, and tzatziki sauce for dipping.
  6. Make the chicken meat filling: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, grated red onion, pressed garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon zest, fresh mint, fresh basil, and minced jalapeno. Mix well until fully incorporated.
  7. Portion and shape chicken filling: Divide into 6 portions and shape each into a semi-circle slightly smaller than half a pita.
  8. Stuff the pita halves with chicken: Open each pita half, add a flattened portion of the chicken mixture, close and press gently to form a flat sandwich.
  9. Cook the chicken arayes: Heat a pan over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add two pita halves at a time and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, pressing gently until golden and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. Repeat with remaining portions, adding olive oil as necessary.
  10. Serve the chicken arayes: Serve warm with lemon wedges, fresh basil or mint garnish, and tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Cooking times vary slightly depending on pita size and stove heat—watch for golden, crispy edges.
  • For best texture, use fresh pita bread rather than stale or overly soft pita.
  • Adjust spice levels by varying jalapeno quantity or adding chili flakes if desired.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.
  • Arayes can be served as appetizers or a light main dish.
  • Leftover arayes can be refrigerated and reheated in a pan for crispness or warmed in an oven.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Find it online: https://recipekind.com/middle-eastern-meat-stuffed-pita-arayes-with-tzatziki-and-fresh-herbs-recipe/