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Crispy & Juicy Arayes

Crispy & Juicy Arayes: Your New Favorite Middle Eastern Treat

Crispy & Juicy Arayes are a delightful Middle Eastern street food featuring savory kofta in crispy pita, perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 pockets
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Kofta
  • 1 pound Ground Lamb Can substitute with ground beef
  • 1 medium Chopped Yellow Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is preferable
  • 1/4 cup Parsley Can substitute with mint
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Adjust based on spice preference
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Adjust for heat preference
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste
For the Pitas
  • 4 pieces Pitas Consider whole wheat for a healthier option
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with vegetable oil
For Serving
  • 1/2 cup Tahini Yogurt is an acceptable substitute
  • to taste Hot Sauce

Equipment

  • food processor
  • Baking Sheet
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy & Juicy Arayes
  1. Prepare the Herb Mixture: Pulse the chopped yellow onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro in a food processor until finely minced.
  2. Combine the Kofta Filling: In a mixing bowl, add the ground lamb or beef, paprika, coriander, cumin, cayenne, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Cut each pita in half to create pockets.
  4. Stuff the Pitas: Fill each pita half generously with the meat mixture.
  5. Brush with Olive Oil: Lay the stuffed pitas on a baking sheet, brush the outer sides with olive oil.
  6. Bake the Arayes: Bake the arayes for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Allow to cool slightly before serving with tahini sauce and hot sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pocketCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 18gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Let the kofta mixture rest for at least an hour to enhance flavors. Adjust cayenne pepper based on spice tolerance.

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