Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)

Step 1

Start by preheating your oven to 400F

Step 2

Peel the garlic cloves and onions and wash then dry the parsley

Step 3

Finely chop the onions, garlic and parsley or throw them in a food processor and process until fine

Step 4

Mix the ground beef with the onion, garlic and parsley mixture, along with all the spices and the olive oil. Mix well using your hands, ensuring all the spices are well incorporated. If possible, allow the meat to marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Step 5

Cut pitas in half and open them to form pockets. Stuff them with about 1.5 to 2 tbsp of the meat mixture, ensuring the pita is full but not overfilling it. Press them down to flatten and ensure the filling comes all the way to the edge (check photos in post)

Step 6

Brush the outside of the pitas with olive oil on all sides

Step 7

Brush a cast iron gril with oil, then sear the pitas for 1 minute on each side, on medium high heat. Flip onto the exposed meat side and sear as well.

Step 8

Place on a baking sheet (don't use parchment paper) and bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes, turning them half way through. If you have an oven rack, place them on the rack, on top of the oven sheet. This allows them to get more crispy and avoids sogginess.

Step 9

Ensure the pita is crispy by broiling for a few minutes if necessary. Watch them closely so they don't burn.

Step 10

Serve immediately with some yogurt, tahini sauce or ketchup and some fries. Enjoy!