Lebanese Arayes

Our Lebanese Arayes recipe is a delightful blend of tradition and taste that's perfect for celebrations or a special meal. Follow this easy recipe and immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Lebanon.

Historical Roots:

Arayes, with its blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Ottoman culinary influences, reflects the rich historical roots of Lebanese cuisine. The dish has deep connections to ancient traditions and celebrations, making it a flavorful representation of Lebanon's culinary heritage.

Versatile Filling:

The ground meat filling in Arayes is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. While the recipe traditionally calls for a mix of lamb or beef with spices, onions, and herbs, you can customize the filling to suit your preferences. Experimenting with different spice combinations or adding additional ingredients allows you to create a personalized version of this Lebanese delicacy.

FAQs

Can I use ground lamb instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground lamb is a traditional and flavorful alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What's the purpose of Old Spice kosher salt in the recipe?

Old Spice kosher salt adds a unique flavor profile to the dish. If unavailable, you can substitute with regular kosher salt.

Can I make the tahini sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the tahini sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until needed. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Is there a substitute for fresh cilantro in the recipe?

If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or mint for a different herbal flavor.

Can I freeze the stuffed pitas for later use?

It's best to cook the stuffed pitas first, then freeze them. Reheat in a toaster or oven for a quick and convenient meal.

What's the ideal consistency for the tahini sauce?

The tahini sauce should have a smooth and creamy consistency. Adjust by adding more lemon juice or water if it's too thick.

Can I cook Arayes on an outdoor grill?

Absolutely! Arayes can be cooked on an outdoor grill for a smoky flavor. Grill for a similar duration until the meat is fully cooked.

Do I need to let the marinated meat sit for a specific time?

While marinating for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors, you can cook the Arayes immediately if you're short on time.

What sides complement Arayes?

Arayes pair well with a simple salad, pickles, or a side of hummus for a complete and balanced meal.

How can I reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftover Arayes in a preheated oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave to maintain crispiness.

Make it

Lebanese Arayes Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb 80/20 ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
1 tomato, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/8 tsp ground cardamom
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp Old Spice kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Olive oil
6 pita bread rounds

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, diced tomato, cilantro, minced garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
With clean hands, ensure that the ingredients are well combined.
Allow the ground meat to marinate while you prepare the tahini sauce.
Cut pita bread in half and stuff with the ground meat mixture. Brush with olive oil.
Using a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat, cook the stuffed pitas for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Create a crust by standing up the pita in the pan for an additional 5-7 minutes.
Ensure the internal temperature of the ground beef reaches 160°F.
Serve the Lebanese Arayes hot with the prepared tahini sauce.

Tahini Sauce:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
6 oz Greek yogurt
2 cloves garlic, minced
Pinch of kosher salt
Black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

In a small mixing bowl, combine the tahini, fresh lemon juice, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, fresh cilantro, and olive oil.
Mix the ingredients until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little water until it reaches your desired thickness.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper according to your preference.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tahini sauce until you're ready to serve the Arayes.

This tahini sauce adds a creamy and tangy element to complement the savory flavors of the Arayes. Feel free to customize the sauce based on your taste preferences.