This Crispy Lebanese Arayes Pita Pockets comes together in about 30 minutes and is cooked on the grill for a quick dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of those odds and ends lurking in your pantry. Believe me, this recipe is as versatile as it is mouthwatering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pound ground lamb or beef
- Ground lamb is my go-to for its rich flavor, but if you’re not a fan, ground beef works great, too! You can also use turkey or chicken, whatever you have on hand.
1 small onion, finely grated or minced
- Onions add a touch of sweetness, and when finely minced, they blend seamlessly into the meat mixture. If you’re short on time, try using onion powder instead.
2 garlic cloves, minced
- Garlic brings an incredible aroma and flavor to the dish that’s so hard to resist! You can use garlic powder, but fresh is always better for that punch of flavor.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley brightens up the flavors! You can substitute with cilantro or even spinach if that’s what you’ve got.
1 teaspoon ground cumin
- This spice adds warmth and depth to your filling. Other spices like coriander or even taco seasoning can work in a pinch.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Cinnamon might seem unusual, but its sweet and warm notes really elevate the dish! I love it, but you can skip it if you don’t have it.
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- Allspice gives that characteristic Middle Eastern flavor. If you’re out, nutmeg could work as a substitute, but it might alter the flavor slightly.
3/4 teaspoon salt
- A simple seasoning that enhances the taste! Adjust according to your preference or dietary needs.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- I like my Arayes with a bit of kick, but feel free to use white pepper if that’s what you have.
Pinch of chili flakes
- Spice it up! Use smoked paprika or omit altogether if your family prefers it milder.
4 small thin pita breads
- Perfect for stuffing and grilling! I recommend whole wheat or regular, as they hold the filling wonderfully.
2 tablespoons olive oil or softened butter
- This gives your Arayes that golden, crispy texture when cooked. Butter adds a rich flavor, but olive oil is great for a lighter option!
1 small garlic clove, crushed, or 1 teaspoon sumac for brushing
- This optional addition is great for brushing on the pita before grilling. Sumac adds a tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, just garlic works fine!
How to Make Crispy Lebanese Arayes Pita Pockets
Mix the Meat Filling (about 5 minutes) In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes. Get in there with your hands, it’s the best way to mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The smell is going to be incredible! If you want, cook a teaspoon of the mixture in a pan to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Prepare the Pita Pockets (about 5 minutes) Cut each pita in half to make two semi-circles. Gently open each half to form a pocket. Stuff about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture into each pocket, spreading the filling in a thin, even layer. Press lightly to seal the edges so you don’t have a meat explosion during cooking, trust me, nobody wants that mess!
Brush the Pitas (about 2 minutes) In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil or butter with your crushed garlic or sumac if you’re using it. Lightly brush both sides of each stuffed pita, which actually helps them crisp up beautifully!
Cook the Arayes
- For Grilling: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook each arayes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. You’ll want those beautiful grill marks!
- For Pan-Frying: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the arayes for 4–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula for even cooking.
- For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the arayes on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
Enjoy! Slice each arayes half into two for appetizers or serve whole. These pockets are best enjoyed immediately while they’re still crispy.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I want something comforting and satisfying that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. I’m a real sucker for that crispy exterior with the juicy, flavorful filling inside! The best part is that you can mix and match the spices and fillings based on what’s in your fridge, you can make this a fun “what do I have” meal! Whether your kids are picky eaters or you’re trying to up your culinary game, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
If you loved this Crispy Lebanese Arayes Pita Pockets recipe, be sure to check out my Lebanese Arayes, my Lebanese Shawarma, or my Zaatar Manakeesh Mediterranean flatbread! They’re all perfect for busy weeknights and full of flavor!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This meal comes together in under 30 minutes! It’s perfect for those chaotic weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table, fast. Seriously, who doesn’t need a little help from time to time?
Customizable
With so many options for filling, you can use whatever ingredients you have, making it budget-friendly! Cheese, veggies, more spices, the world is your oyster, or should I say pita?
Budget-Friendly
This recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you can likely find in your pantry or fridge. It’s a great way to feed your family without breaking the bank!
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor, these crispy pockets are reminiscent of cozy restaurant meals, but you get to make them at home! And let’s face it, anything you can grill is going to be a hit, right?
Meal Prep
You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the pitas when you’re ready to eat. This makes it perfect for meal prep, and honestly? They freeze beautifully!
Serving Suggestions
These crispy Lebanese Arayes Pita Pockets are perfect on their own, but you can elevate your meal by serving them with a side of tzatziki sauce or a simple green salad. A platter of fresh veggies for dipping works wonderfully too!
- Storage: The leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they are sealed in an airtight container!
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat them is in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore that crispy texture. You might even want to pop them on the grill for a couple of minutes for that freshly cooked vibe!
- Freezer Friendly: Yes! You can freeze the raw stuffed pitas for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label them so you don’t forget about that deliciousness waiting for you.
And there you have it! If you want a meal that’s not just easy but also incredibly satisfying and packed with flavor, you’ve got to try these Crispy Lebanese Arayes Pita Pockets. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug from the inside out, and trust me; your family will thank you for this one!
So, what are you waiting for? Get to cooking, and enjoy the delightful crunch and spiced goodness of these tasty little pockets! Bon appétit! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Crispy Lebanese Arayes Pita Pockets
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine ground lamb or beef, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Cut each pita in half to create pockets. Stuff about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture into each, spreading it evenly. Press lightly to seal.
- Mix olive oil or butter with crushed garlic or sumac in a small bowl. Brush both sides of the stuffed pitas.
- For Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook each arayes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. For Pan-Frying: Heat a skillet over medium. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, pressing with a spatula. For Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Slice each arayes half into two for appetizers or serve whole. Best enjoyed immediately.