Discover how to make mouthwatering Arayes, a Middle Eastern favorite! This recipe features pita bread filled with a flavorful mixture of spiced minced meat, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer. Follow our step-by-step guide for an authentic and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

- 4 pita breads

- 1 lb (450g) minced beef or lamb

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp ground coriander

- 1/2 tsp ground paprika

- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1 tbsp tomato paste

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

  - In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, olive oil, and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Stuff the Pita Bread:

  - Carefully cut each pita bread in half to form pockets. Stuff each pocket generously with the spiced meat mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure the filling is evenly distributed.

Grill the Arayes:

  - Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Place the stuffed pita breads on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the pita is crispy and the meat is fully cooked.

Serve:

  - Remove the Arayes from the grill and let them cool slightly. Slice them into halves or quarters and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces or salad.

Enjoy your homemade Arayes!

Nutritional Values:

Pita Bread:

- Calories: About 170 per medium pita

- Protein: 6g

- Carbohydrates: 35g

- Fiber: 2g

- Fat: 1g

Benefits:

- Whole grain options provide more fiber and essential nutrients.

- Low in fat, making it a lighter alternative to other types of bread.

Minced Beef or Lamb:

- Calories: 250

- Protein: 26g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Fat: 18g (varies based on fat content)

- Iron: 2.6mg

- Vitamin B12: 2.6µg

Benefits:

- High in protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.

- Rich in iron, which helps in oxygen transport and prevents anemia.

- Provides vitamin B12, essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation.

Onion:

- Calories: 40

- Protein: 1g

- Carbohydrates: 9g

- Fiber: 2g

- Fat: 0g

Benefits:

- Rich in antioxidants, including quercetin, which helps reduce inflammation.

- Supports heart health by potentially lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Garlic:

- Calories: 149

- Protein: 6g

- Carbohydrates: 33g

- Fiber: 2g

- Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:

- Boosts the immune system due to its allicin content, which has antimicrobial properties.

- Can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Fresh Parsley:

- Calories: 36

- Protein: 3g

- Carbohydrates: 6g

- Fiber: 3g

- Fat: 0.8g

Benefits:

- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

- Contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

Fresh Cilantro:

- Calories: 23

- Protein: 2g

- Carbohydrates: 4g

- Fiber: 3g

- Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:

- May help detoxify the body by removing heavy metals.

- High in vitamins A, C, and K.

Ground Cumin:

- Calories: 8

- Protein: 0.4g

- Carbohydrates: 0.9g

- Fiber: 0.4g

- Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:

- May aid in digestion and reduce bloating.

- Contains antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress.

Ground Coriander:

- Calories: 6

- Protein: 0.3g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Fiber: 0.6g

- Fat: 0.3g

Benefits:

- Supports digestion and reduces digestive discomfort.

- Contains anti-inflammatory compounds.

Ground Paprika:

- Calories: 6

- Protein: 0.3g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Fiber: 0.5g

- Fat: 0.3g

Benefits:

- Contains capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

- May enhance metabolic rate.

Ground Cinnamon:

- Calories: 6

- Protein: 0.1g

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Fiber: 1g

- Fat: 0g

Benefits:

- May help regulate blood sugar levels.

- Contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation.

Ground Black Pepper:

- Calories: 6

- Protein: 0.2g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Fiber: 0.5g

- Fat: 0.1g

Benefits:

- Enhances nutrient absorption.

- Contains piperine, which has antioxidant properties.

Salt:

- Calories: 0

- Protein: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Fiber: 0g

- Fat: 0g

Benefits:

- Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

Olive Oil:

- Calories: 120

- Protein: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Fat: 14g (mostly monounsaturated fat)

Benefits:

- Rich in monounsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health.

- Contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation.