For Day 23 of our A Bowl A Day series, I’m sharing a dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and totally comforting – Beef Arayes! These little pockets of joy are filled with seasoned ground beef (or lamb) and stuffed into thick pita bread, creating the perfect balance of savory, spiced meat with the satisfying crunch of grilled pita.

We often think of Arayes as a street food or snack, but for Ramadan, it makes the perfect dish to break the fast or for a light, satisfying Suhour. The combination of cumin, coriander, and allspice gives this dish such a rich, aromatic flavor, and the crispy outside with juicy, flavorful filling is just irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 500g ground beef (or lamb)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pomegranate molasses (optional)
• 4 large pita breads (preferably thick)
• Olive oil for brushing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, pine nuts, cumin, coriander, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine.

2. Assemble the Arayes:
Slice the pita bread into halves and open the pockets. Stuff the pita with the meat mixture, pressing it down gently so it’s evenly spread. Be sure not to overstuff to avoid tearing the bread.

3. Grill or Bake:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 200°C (400°F). Brush the outside of the pita with olive oil and grill the arayes for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or bake them for 12-15 minutes, until the bread is crispy and the meat is fully cooked.

4. Serve:
Slice the arayes into halves or quarters and serve with a side of tahini, yogurt, or a fresh salad. For a special touch, drizzle with pomegranate molasses for extra sweetness.

Why I Love This Dish:

I love how simple yet flavorful Beef Arayes are. The spiced meat filling is savory and hearty, while the crispy bread adds that perfect crunch. I also love that it’s so versatile – you can add pine nuts for extra texture and flavor, and if you want an extra kick, drizzle a little pomegranate molasses for that tangy-sweet finish.

This dish is not just comforting but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect fit for Futoor or Suhour during Ramadan. The combination of healthy ingredients and warm spices will surely keep you energized and satisfied!
Enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish that’ll quickly become a family favorite.