Arayes ( Meat stuffed pita)

Ingredients

• For the meat mixture — 2 lb ground beef ( 80% lean , 20% fat)
• For the meat mixture — Salt to taste
• For the meat mixture — 1 tbsp smoked paprika powder
• For the meat mixture — 1 tsp black pepper powder
• For the meat mixture — 1 tbsp garlic powder
• For the meat mixture — 1 tsp all spice
• For the meat mixture — 1 tsp cumin powder
• For the meat mixture — 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• For the meat mixture — 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses ( optional )
• For the meat mixture — 1-2 fresh red or green chili ( diced )
• For the meat mixture — 1 large grated onion, (squeezed out the excess water )
• For the meat mixture — 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
• For the meat mixture — 3-4 cloves fresh garlic, grated
• For the meat mixture — To assemble
• For the meat mixture — 10 small pita, cut into half
• For the meat mixture — Oil for cooking
• For the garlic sauce — 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• For the garlic sauce — 2 tbsp sour cream or greek yogurt
• For the garlic sauce — 1-2 fresh cloves of garlic, grated
• For the garlic sauce — Salt and pepper to taste
• For the garlic sauce — 1 tsp garlic powder
• For the garlic sauce — 1/2 lemon juice
• For the garlic sauce — 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
• For the garlic sauce — 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, add ground meat season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika powder, garlic powder, all spices, cumin powder , coriander powder. Add in the pomegranate molasses, diced red chili , onion and parsley. Mix until well combined.
2. Open each pita half carefully to create a pocket.
3. Spread a thin, even layer of meat inside.
4. Press gently so the filling sticks to the bread.
5. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a thin layer of oil. Place arayes meat-side down first. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until deeply golden and crispy. Press lightly with a spatula for even browning.
6. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
7. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Bake for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
8. (Or You can also Airfry 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.)
9. For the sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients until smooth. Chill at least 15 minutes.