Arayes with Garlic Tahini Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 small pitas (Cut in half; create pockets if needed.)
• 1 yellow onion (Grated and squeezed very dry.)
• 7 garlic (Minced; for the beef filling.)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.333 cup fresh parsley (Chopped; for the beef filling.)
• 0.333 cup fresh cilantro (Chopped; optional but recommended for the beef filling.)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (For the filling and brushing the stuffed pitas; the skillet should also be lightly oiled.)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tsp salt (For the beef filling.)
• 1 tsp black pepper (For the beef filling.)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (For the beef filling.)
• 2 tsp cumin (For the beef filling.)
• 2 tsp paprika (For the beef filling.)
• 1 tsp allspice (For the beef filling.)
• 0.5 cup Greek yogurt (For the garlic tahini sauce.)
• 3 tbsp tahini (For the garlic tahini sauce.)
• 0.5 lemon juice (Juice of 1/2 lemon; for the sauce.)
• 2 garlic (Minced; for the sauce.)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (For the garlic tahini sauce.)
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley (Chopped; for the sauce.)
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (Chopped; for the sauce.)
• 1 tsp cumin (For the sauce.)
• 1 tsp salt (For the sauce; adjust to taste.)
• 1 tsp black pepper (For the sauce.)
• 1 tsp paprika (For the sauce.)
• garlic herb butter (Optional; melted and brushed over the hot arayes.)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grate the yellow onion, then squeeze it very thoroughly in paper towels or cheesecloth until as much liquid as possible has been removed.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, tomato paste, seven minced garlic cloves, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, allspice, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro if using, and the dried grated onion.

3. 3

   Mix the beef mixture with your hands for about 2 minutes, until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. 4

   Cut each pita in half. If a pita half does not already have a pocket, carefully open one with a knife.

5. 5

   Pack the beef mixture firmly into each pita half. Fill them generously, but do not overfill to the point that the pita tears.

6. 6

   Lightly brush the outsides of the stuffed pitas with olive oil. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.

7. 7

   Place the stuffed pitas meat-side down in the skillet and sear for 1–2 minutes, until the meat develops a browned crust.

8. 8

   Turn the pitas and sear the pita sides until golden and crisp.

9. 9

   Transfer the seared arayes to a baking sheet. Bake for 10–15 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked through.

10. 10

    While the arayes bake, whisk the Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, two minced garlic cloves, olive oil, parsley, cilantro, cumin, salt, pepper, and paprika together in a bowl.

11. 11

    Taste the garlic tahini sauce and adjust the lemon, salt, or garlic levels to your preference.

12. 12

    Serve the arayes hot from the oven. Optionally brush them with melted garlic herb butter before serving.

Notes

The source does not provide a quantity for the optional garlic herb butter. The sauce seasonings may be adjusted with additional lemon, salt, or garlic to taste.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• Middle Eastern
• beef
• stuffed pita
• oven-baked
• pan-seared
• crispy
• sauce