This delicious Arayes Lebanese Stuffed Pita comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for a easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Stuffed with ground beef or lamb and spices, this dish makes for a satisfying meal and can easily be customized based on what you have on hand. It’s also an excellent option for cleaning out the fridge or using up leftover vegetables!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what you’ll need to make these scrumptious Arayes Lebanese Stuffed Pitas. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have or prefer!
Pita Bread
Grab some fresh pita bread! You can use regular or whole wheat; both are delicious. The pockets will be our canvases for the flavorful filling.
Ground Beef or Lamb
Beef or lamb, pick your protein! Ground lamb brings an earthy, rich flavor that’s traditional in Lebanese cuisine, while beef is more typical in American households. I usually use 1 pound, and it’s got a ton of flavor either way.
Onion, Finely Chopped
About half a medium onion should do the trick. You’ll want it finely chopped so it mixes well with the meat without being overpowering.
Garlic, Minced
For garlic lovers (like me!), you’ll want 2-4 cloves minced. Trust me; the aroma will be mesmerizing as it cooks!
Ground Cumin
This spice adds that warm, earthy undertone that makes the filling so comforting. You’ll need about a teaspoon of it.
Ground Coriander
Another amazing spice! Just a teaspoon here, too, to round out the flavors.
Paprika
For a touch of color and a slight smokiness, add about a teaspoon of paprika.
Salt and Pepper
A couple pinches of salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust seasoning according to your family’s preference.
Olive Oil
You’ll need some olive oil for brushing the outside of the pitas before grilling. It adds a nice crispiness!
Fresh Parsley, Chopped
Finely chopped fresh parsley is a lovely garnish, giving your dish that fresh pop of color and flavor.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Are you ready to whip up some amazing Arayes? Let’s jump in!
1. Mix the Filling
Get a mixing bowl and add your ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until well combined. The blend of spices will make your kitchen smell absolutely divine!
2. Prep the Pita
Take your pita bread and cut it in half to form pockets. If you want, you can also use small pita breads for individual servings, which would be perfect for little hands!
3. Stuff the Pitas
Now, stuff each half of the pita with that delicious meat mixture. Don’t be shy; load ‘em up! You want them full but not so bursting that they’ll rip.
4. Brush With Olive Oil
Lay the stuffed pitas on a plate and brush the outside generously with olive oil. This will give them a golden crust and prevent sticking. Yum!
5. Heat Up Your Grill or Skillet
Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and hot to ensure a crispy exterior!
6. Grill the Pitas
Cook the stuffed pitas for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You might want to flip them carefully, just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
7. Garnish and Serve
Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. You can even serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or a nice salad on the side!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick and comforting. It’s perfect for busy nights when I don’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen, but I still want to serve my family something hearty and nutritious! The best part is that you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it as versatile as you need. Honestly, I’m a real sucker for anything that involves stuffed bread!
I remember the first time I made these; my kids were skeptical at first but ended up going back for seconds, big win in my book! Every bite is loaded with flavors, and I’ve made it countless times for friends and family gatherings because it’s always a crowd-pleaser. So, don’t be surprised if you find everyone hovering around the kitchen when you make these!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my easy Baked Mac and Cheese, my Creamy Garlic Polenta With Mushrooms, or my Jambalaya!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe really comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a home-cooked meal without the hassle!
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have; you can swap in ground turkey or even a veggie mix if you want to keep it meat-free. The possibilities are endless!
Comfort Food
These stuffed pitas are filled with tons of flavor that will make you feel warm inside. They’re great for any time when you just need a little coziness!
Grilled Goodness
Cooking them on a grill or skillet ensures that they get that delicious crispiness on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
How to Serve This Arayes Dish
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed pitas are amazing on their own, but they pair beautifully with a variety of sides! Think a fresh tabbouleh salad, Greek yogurt, or a zesty tahini sauce for dipping huge flavor, people!
Storage
If you have any leftovers (which might be a big “if”), they keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, pop them in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, flipping halfway through until warmed through and crispy again. You could also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze the stuffed pitas before grilling them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then toss them in a freezer bag. They keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, grill them straight from the freezer, you won’t even have to thaw them first!
I hope you enjoy making these delightful Arayes Lebanese Stuffed Pitas as much as I do! They’re truly a family favorite around here, and I can’t wait for you to try them. So, roll up your sleeves and get cooking, my friend!
Now that you’ve got all the goodies in one place, it’s time to dive in and make some amazing memories in the kitchen! Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
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Arayes Lebanese Stuffed Pita
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A delicious and comforting dish of stuffed pita filled with ground beef or lamb and spices, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef or Lamb
- 1/2 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2–4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Olive Oil for brushing
- Pita Bread
- Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Mix the filling by combining ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Cut pita bread in half to form pockets.
- Stuff each half of the pita with the meat mixture.
- Brush the outside of the stuffed pitas with olive oil.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the stuffed pitas for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
Great for using leftovers or customizing with different vegetables and proteins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
