Lamb Arayes

Description

Perfectly spiced ground lamb stuffed in pita and pan fried for the perfect juicy and crispy bite.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground lamb, lean (can use ground beef)
  • 1 small onion, grated (squeeze liquid out)
  • 3 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
  • 3/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 3 pita bread (cut in half and opened up)
  • olive oil (for brushing)
    • Yogurt Dip
  • 1 cup plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (or to taste)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. 1

    Using your hand, mix together the ground lamb, grated onion + garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Be sure everything is mixed together thoroughly and evenly. 

  2. 2

    Cut the pita in half. Gently open up each half to create pockets. If it's difficult to open up the pockets, try gently warming the pita in the microwave/oven. It should now be easier to open them up. 

  3. 3

    Gently spread the lamb mixture evenly inside of the pocket, filling all the space. You want the meat mixture to be about 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick. Once you're finished with filling, press the arayes gently together. [how many arayes you're able to make with the filling depends on how big the pitas are]

  4. 4

    Generously brush each side of the arayes with olive oil, including the exposed filling. 

  5. 5

    Heat a grill pan over medium high heat. Place however many arayes you can fit on the pan (you do not need any additional oil in the pan). 

  6. 6

    Cook arayes on the first side for about 2-3 minutes, occasionally pressing down the arayes with a spatula. Flip to the other side cook for another 2-3 minutes, pressing down again. 

  7. 7

    Before removing the arayes from the pan, use tongs to hold the arayes with the filling side down on the pan and allow to grill for about 30-45 seconds. 

  8. 8

    Remove from pan and allow to cool for a few minutes. Serve with yogurt sauce and enjoy! 

  9. 9
    Make the yogurt sauce

    To make the yogurt sauce, simply whisk together the yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Serve with arayes. 

Keywords: lamb arayes, beef arayes, arayes recipe, lamb arayes recipe, ramadan recipes, iftar recipes, palestinian recipes, stuffed pita recipe
Read it online: https://www.spoonfulofscrumptious.com/recipe/lamb-arayes/