Palestinian Arayes are a beloved street food, featuring pita bread stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, vegetables, and aromatic spices, then grilled to crispy perfection. This dish is quick, delicious, and perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. The beef-filled pita pockets are a satisfying and flavorful treat, making them a favorite in Palestinian cuisine.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 small yellow onion

• 1 pound 80/20 ground beef

• 1 pound 90/10 ground beef

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 large roma tomatoes, chopped

• ¾ bell pepper, chopped

• ⅓ jalapeño (optional)

• 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper

• 2 teaspoons 7 spices

• 1 tablespoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing

• 6 full pita breads (cut in half, opened to make pockets)

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling: Add the vegetables (onion, tomatoes, bell pepper, and garlic) to a food processor and process until chunky, or finely chop them by hand. Add the mixture to the ground beef along with the spices and mix well.

2. Fill the Pitas: Stuff each pita half with the beef mixture, ensuring it’s not too thick to ensure even cooking.

3. Prepare the Pitas: Brush a small amount of olive oil (about 1 teaspoon) on both sides of each pita.

4. Cook: Grill or bake the pitas at 425°F until the beef is fully cooked and the bread turns crispy (about 8-10 minutes per side, flipping halfway through). Alternatively, air fry at 400°F for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway.

5. Serve: Once crispy and golden, remove from the heat and serve with a side of yogurt, salad, or dips like hummus or tahini.

Nutrients

• Calories: 278 kcal per serving

• Carbohydrates: 17g

• Protein: 17g

• Fat: 15g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 8g

• Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 51mg

• Sodium: 891mg

• Potassium: 314mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 517 IU

• Vitamin C: 11mg

• Calcium: 41mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Filling: A Flavor-Packed Combination

The filling for Arayes is the heart of the dish, and it’s made by mixing ground beef with a combination of finely chopped vegetables, spices, and seasonings. The blend of 80/20 and 90/10 ground beef ensures a juicy filling, with just enough fat to keep the meat tender and flavorful without being too greasy. The mix of vegetables, including onions, garlic, tomatoes, and bell peppers, adds freshness and texture to the beef, creating a well-balanced, savory filling.

For extra heat and flavor, a jalapeño can be added, though it’s optional. The Aleppo pepper and 7 spices provide the signature aromatic and mild heat that is characteristic of Palestinian cuisine. The 7 spices blend typically includes a mix of cinnamon, allspice, cumin, coriander, black pepper, cloves, and nutmeg, giving the dish a warm and inviting aroma. The addition of salt and black pepper enhances the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

Stuffing the Pitas: Careful Assembly

To prepare the Arayes, the pita bread is cut in half and opened to form pockets. These pockets are then stuffed with the seasoned beef mixture, being careful not to overstuff the bread. The filling should be spread evenly inside the pita to ensure that it cooks uniformly and crisps up nicely. If the pockets are too thick, it can affect the even cooking of both the bread and the beef.

It’s essential to ensure that the pita is filled just enough to allow for proper grilling, where the bread becomes crispy and the meat cooks thoroughly. The filling inside each pita pocket becomes juicy and flavorful, while the bread turns golden brown and crunchy, providing the perfect contrast to the savory filling.

Cooking Arayes: Grilled to Perfection

Once the pitas are stuffed, it’s time to cook them. There are a few ways to achieve the crispy, golden exterior, depending on the equipment you have. Grilling is the traditional method, and it adds a nice smoky flavor to the pita. Grill the pitas at 425°F for about 8-10 minutes per side, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and crisping.

Alternatively, you can bake the Arayes in the oven at the same temperature, or use an air fryer for a healthier, oil-free option. In the air fryer, cook at 400°F for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure that both sides are crispy and golden. Regardless of your chosen method, be sure to brush a small amount of olive oil on both sides of the pita before cooking. This helps to achieve a crisp, golden crust while enhancing the flavor of the bread.

Serving: Perfect with Yogurt, Salad, or Dips

Once the Arayes are cooked to crispy perfection, remove them from the heat and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes. This will help the filling settle and prevent it from spilling out when you cut into the pita.

Serve the Palestinian Arayes hot, paired with a side of yogurt, a simple salad, or a variety of dips like hummus or tahini. The creamy, cool yogurt or tahini perfectly balances the warmth and spiciness of the beef filling, making each bite more satisfying. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or sprinkle fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for an extra touch of freshness.

Nutritional Breakdown

Each serving of these Palestinian Arayes contains around 278 calories, making them a moderate-calorie, protein-packed meal. The 17g of protein per serving comes from the beef, which makes these pinwheels filling and satisfying. The 15g of fat adds richness to the dish, and the saturated fat content is about 5g, which is expected due to the ground beef and olive oil used in cooking. The carbohydrates come to about 17g, with 1g of fiber and 1g of sugar, making the dish relatively low in carbs and high in protein.

With Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron included in the nutritional content, the dish provides essential nutrients to support overall health, making it not only delicious but nutritious too.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Satisfying Dish

Palestinian Arayes are a delightful street food that combines savory beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices into crispy, golden pita pockets. With their rich, flavorful filling and satisfying crunch, these pinwheels are perfect for any occasion, whether served as a main course, appetizer, or snack. They are quick and easy to make, customizable to your taste, and absolutely delicious. Serve them with yogurt, salad, or your favorite dips to create a complete meal that will impress your guests and leave everyone asking for more.

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, preparing for a special event, or simply craving a flavorful, satisfying treat, Palestinian Arayes are a must-try dish that will bring the taste of the Middle East straight to your table.