Description
Aromatic Lebanese arayes kafta blends grilled lamb patties with toasted pita bread, creating a mouthwatering street-style sandwich. Crisp edges and juicy meat invite diners to savor Middle Eastern culinary traditions with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
- 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste or pomegranate molasses
- ¼ cup (15 g) fresh parsley or cilantro
- 4 pita breads
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheese of choice, optional (for a vegan option, use a plant-based cheese)
- 1 tsp (5 g) allspice
- 1 tsp (5 g) cumin
- 1 tsp (5 g) coriander
- 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) paprika
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- Olive oil for brushing
- Shawarma sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Flavor Foundation: Pulverize onion, garlic, and parsley in a food processor until transformed into a fragrant, uniform mixture.
- Meat Preparation: Combine minced herb blend with ground beef, tomato paste, and spices in a large bowl. Knead thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution and consistent texture.
- Pita Transformation: Slice pita breads into pocket-friendly sections, creating delicate cavities for meat filling. Ensure precise, even cuts for optimal stuffing.
- Filling Technique: Generously pack seasoned meat mixture into pita pockets, pressing firmly to create a compact, uniform layer. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese for added richness.
- Cooking Methods: Select preferred cooking technique – stovetop, oven, or air fryer. For stovetop, heat grill pan to medium-high and brush pitas with olive oil. Sear each side for three minutes until golden and crisp. Oven method: Preheat to 400°F, arrange on parchment-lined sheet, and bake 12-15 minutes. Air fryer enthusiasts: Maintain 400°F, rotating midway for even browning.
- Serving Finale: Plate Arayes Kafta immediately. Accompany with shawarma sauce, red onion slivers, and fresh lemon wedges to enhance the culinary experience.
Notes
- Blend Herbs Efficiently: Use a food processor to quickly and finely mince onion, garlic, and parsley for maximum flavor infusion and time-saving preparation.
- Massage Meat Thoroughly: Mix ground beef with spices by hand to ensure even distribution and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- Create Perfect Pita Pockets: Carefully split pitas without tearing to maintain structural integrity for optimal meat stuffing and even cooking.
- Choose Cooking Method Wisely: Select between stovetop, oven, or air fryer based on available equipment and desired texture – each method offers unique crispiness and flavor development.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg