Beef Arayes Lebanese Meat-Stuffed Pita

Step 1

Put 2 tbsp of oil into a large skillet and place over medium heat. Add onions and 1/2 tsp salt and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring often until golden brown.

Step 2

Add the garlic, spices and tomato paste and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the plum tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, until they've completely broken down and the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3

Transfer the mix to a a medium bowl along with minced beef, cilantro, 1 tsp salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.

Step 4

Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 5

Using a serrated knife, cut the pitas in half and fill each pocket with about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture, flattening it out so it fills the pita evenly.

Step 6

Put 1 1/2 tsp butter and 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet and place over medium high heat or a grill. Add two of the sandwiches and cook for 3 minutes, flipping after a minute, until both sides have browned.

Step 7

Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Continue process with remaining sandwiches.

Step 8

Once they are all pan-fried, transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool for 5 minutes.

Step 9

Serve warm with lemon wedges and tahini sauce.