Mediterranean Arayes inspired by the Smash Tacos Trend
Arayes are a very popular Mediterranean / Middle Eastern dish that’s basically a meat stuffed pita. They’re savory, crispy, and oh-so-delish.
Ingredients
GROUND MEAT MIXTURE:
- 1 lb. Ground Chicken, 92% lean
- 2 Garlic Cloves, grated
- 1/4 Red Onion, grated or finely minced
- 1/4 cup Chopped Italian Parsley
- 1 tbsp. Sumac
- 1/2 tsp. Cumin
- 1/2 tsp. Ground Coriander
- 1/2 tsp. Paprika
- 1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
- 1 tsp. Salt
- Black Pepper, to taste
ZA'ATAR CUCUMBER SALAD:
- 1 English Cucumber, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Diced Grape Tomatoes, (about 1/2 clamshell)
- 1 tbsp. Za'atar
- 1/4 cup Thinly Sliced Red Onions
- 2 tbsp. Chopped Fresh Mint
- 4 tbsp. Chopped Italian Parsley
- 2 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp. Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp. Salt
- Black Pepper, to taste
FOR SERVING:
- 4 Pita Breads, cut in half lengthwise (keeping circle shape)
- Olive Oil, as needed
SUGGESTED TOPPINGS:
- Toum
- Zhug
- Sumac Onions
- Tahini Drizzle, optional
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients for the ground meat mixture in a large bowl and fold together until well combined. Set aside in the refrigerator while you prep the other ingredients.
- Add all ingredients for the cucumber salad to a large bowl and mix together until all the cucumber and tomatoes are coated. Set aside on the counter.
- Cut each pita bread in half, lengthwise, and divide the meat mixture among all 8 half pitas. Smash into the pitas to coat the surface.
- Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, place the pitas meat side down in the skillet. Cook for roughly 3 - 4 minutes per side.
- Remove from the skillet and top with the cucumber salad, toum, zhug, sumac onions, and optional drizzle of tahini.