Golden, crispy and bursting with flavour, Arayes are the kind of dish that make you wonder how something so simple can taste so good. A beloved staple across the Middle East, Arayes are pita breads stuffed with spiced minced meat, grilled to perfection until the outside is perfectly crisp and the inside juicy and aromatic. Often served as street food or a family favourite at barbecues, they’re the ultimate comfort bite, easy to make, endlessly customisable and incredibly satisfying. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, a crowd-pleasing appetiser or part of a mezze spread, Arayes bring the warmth and hospitality of Middle Eastern cooking straight to your plate.
Ingredients:
500g 80/20 beef mince
1 medium onion, finely chopped
¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
Salt to taste
1 tbsp Supreme Cumin Powder
1 tbsp Supreme Coriander Powder
1 tbsp Supreme Smoked Paprika Powder
1 tbsp Supreme Chilli powder
⅓ tsp Supreme Coarse Black Pepper
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp tomato paste
1 ½ tbsp Supreme Garlic Paste
8 pita (halves)
Oil
Lemon wedges
Method:
In a mixing bowl, add beef, onion, parsley, salt, cumin powder, coriander powder, smoked paprika, chilli powder, coarse black pepper, allspice, tomato paste and garlic paste. Mix really well then divide the mince into 8 equal portions. Gently open a pita then place the meat inside. Then press to spread to the edge and make it flat. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the pita with oil then place the stuffed pitas in the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until golden and crispy on both sides. The meat is spread thin so it cooks quickly. Serve immediately with lemon.
