Description
Savory Lebanese arayes kafta brings grilled lamb and spices together in a crispy pita sandwich. Melted cheese and charred edges create a mouthwatering Mediterranean street snack you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 pita breads
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste or pomegranate molasses
- ½ cup shredded cheese of choice, optional
- Olive oil for brushing
- Shawarma sauce for serving
Instructions
- Create a flavor-packed mixture by finely chopping onion, garlic, and parsley in a food processor until uniformly minced.
- Transfer the aromatic herb blend into a spacious mixing bowl and incorporate ground beef, tomato paste, and signature Middle Eastern spices. Thoroughly knead the ingredients until perfectly integrated.
- Carefully slice pita breads into halves or quarters, gently separating the interior pocket with a delicate touch.
- Generously fill each pita pocket with the seasoned meat mixture, pressing firmly to achieve an even, substantial layer approximately one inch thick. Consider adding a complementary layer of melted cheese for extra richness.
- For stovetop preparation, warm a grill pan over medium-high temperature. Delicately brush both exterior surfaces of stuffed pitas with olive oil, then sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Alternatively, oven roasting offers another cooking method. Preheat to 400°F, coat pitas with olive oil, and arrange on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or utilize an air fryer at equivalent temperature, rotating midway for uniform crispness.
- Present the arayes kafta with zesty shawarma sauce, accompanied by fresh red onion slices and bright lemon wedges for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Combine meat mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate for deeper flavor infusion and convenient meal planning.
- Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for optimal juiciness and texture without excessive greasiness.
- Spice Customization: Adjust spice blend to personal preference, adding more cumin or paprika for enhanced Middle Eastern flavor profile.
- Bread Options: Use fresh, soft pita bread and ensure even stuffing to prevent tearing and maintain structural integrity during cooking.
- Cooking Flexibility: Alternate between grill pan, oven, and air fryer methods based on kitchen equipment and desired crispiness level.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with tangy shawarma sauce, fresh red onions, and lemon slices to elevate overall taste and provide bright, zesty contrast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg