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Crispy & Juicy Arayes

Crispy & Juicy Arayes: The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Snack

Experience the irresistible taste of Crispy & Juicy Arayes, a flavorful Middle Eastern snack filled with spiced lamb kofta.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 29 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Filling
  • 1 pound Ground Lamb Substitute with ground beef if desired.
  • 1 medium Chopped Yellow Onion Can substitute with shallots.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Can use garlic powder as an alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Flat-Leaf Parsley Use cilantro as an alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro Omit for a milder flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Paprika Smoked paprika can be used for a smoky flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Coriander Ground cumin can be a replacement.
  • 2 tsp Cumin Can be omitted for a milder flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper Adjust based on heat preference.
  • to taste Kosher Salt Adjust to personal preference.
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper Adjust to personal preference.
For the Pitas
  • 4 Pitas Whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives can be used.
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Can substitute with any neutral oil.

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • large mixing bowl
  • large skillet
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy & Juicy Arayes
  1. Prepare the meat mixture by processing chopped onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro until finely minced. Combine with lamb, paprika, coriander, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a bowl, mix well, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Cut pitas in half to form pockets, stuff with meat mixture, seal edges, and cut each stuffed pita in half again.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear stuffed pitas, meat side down, for about 3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 3 minutes.
  4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 8 minutes, or until lamb reaches 160ºF internally.
  5. Remove from oven, cool slightly, and serve warm with tahini sauce and hot sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Chill the meat mixture for improved flavor integration. Avoid overstuffing the pitas for easier sealing and cooking.

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