@Flora
Arayes are a flavorful Middle Eastern dish, commonly found in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. This delicacy involves stuffing pita bread with seasoned minced meat, typically lamb or beef, then grilling it to achieve a crispy exterior and tender, juicy filling. Arayes are versatile and pair wonderfully with fresh salads, creamy tahini, or yoghurt dips. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or a savoury snack, they’re perfect for casual meals and sharing as part of a mezze spread.
500 grams
1 piece
3 pieces
1 piece
1 piece
1 piece
2 pieces
1 piece
1 piece
1 piece
3 pieces
Prepare Vegetables
Finely dice 1 Red Onion.
Finely dice 3 Green Cubanelle Peppers (or paprikas).
Finely chop the Fresh Mint Leaves.
Finely chop the Parsley.
Prepare Chicken Mixture
In a mixing bowl, place 500 g Ground Chicken Meat.
Add the prepared vegetables to the bowl:
Diced Red Onion
Diced Green Cubanelle Peppers
Chopped Fresh Mint Leaves
Chopped Parsley
Season Mixture
Add the following seasonings and aromatics to the chicken and vegetable mixture:
Zest from 1 Lemon
A small squeeze of juice from the 1 Lemon
Salt (to taste)
Black Pepper (to taste)
Approximately 1 tbsp Olive Oil (or adjust as needed)
2 pressed Garlic Cloves
Mix all ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. Ensure seasonings are evenly distributed.
Prepare the Breads
Carefully cut each of the 3 Arabic Pita Breads halfway around the edge to create a pocket, or slice them fully in half crosswise.
Gently open each pita bread.
Fill each pita pocket or half evenly with the ground chicken mixture, spreading it in a relatively thin layer inside.
Cook (Choose One Method)
Option 1: Pan-Frying
Melt a knob of Butter in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
Carefully place one or two filled pita breads into the hot pan (do not overcrowd).
Fry until the bread develops a golden, crunchy crust and the chicken filling is cooked through. Press down gently with a spatula occasionally. Flip the pita carefully and cook the other side until equally golden and crispy. Repeat with remaining pitas.
Option 2: Baking
Preheat your oven to 180°C.
Place the filled pita breads onto a baking sheet (line with parchment paper for easier cleanup if desired).
Bake for approximately 10 min, or until the pita bread forms a golden crust and the chicken mixture is cooked through.
Serve
Remove the cooked, filled pitas from the pan or oven.
You can serve them whole or cut them into wedges.
Bon appétit! Enjoy!