Description
Succulent arayes kafta from Lebanon blends grilled lamb, spices, and pita into a mouthwatering street food experience. Crisp edges and rich flavors invite diners to savor this irresistible Mediterranean delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
- 4 pita breads
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp tomato paste or pomegranate molasses
- ½ cup shredded cheese of choice, optional
- Olive oil for brushing
- Shawarma sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preparation: Pulse onion, garlic, and parsley in a food processor until finely minced, creating an aromatic herb foundation.
- Meat Mixture: Combine ground beef, tomato paste, and Middle Eastern spices in a mixing bowl, kneading thoroughly until ingredients meld seamlessly into a uniform mixture.
- Pita Assembly: Carefully slice pita breads, opening their interior pockets and generously stuffing with seasoned meat, ensuring an even, substantial layer. Optional: incorporate melted cheese for enhanced richness.
- Cooking Technique: Select preferred method – stovetop or oven. For grill pan, brush pitas with olive oil and sear over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a crisp, golden exterior. Alternatively, preheat oven to 400°F, arrange pitas on a lined baking sheet, and roast for 12-15 minutes, ensuring even browning.
- Serving: Plate arayes kafta alongside shawarma sauce, garnish with fresh red onion slices and vibrant lemon wedges to elevate the flavor profile and provide a zesty contrast.
Notes
- Prep Precision: Finely mince herbs and onions in a food processor for consistent, flavor-packed meat mixture that ensures even seasoning.
- Meat Mastery: Knead ground beef thoroughly to bind spices and create a compact, flavorful filling that prevents crumbling during cooking.
- Crisp Creation: Brush pita surfaces generously with olive oil to achieve golden, crunchy exterior while maintaining moist interior during grilling or roasting.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair arayes kafta with tangy shawarma sauce and fresh lemon wedges to elevate the dish’s bright, zesty Mediterranean profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg