Arayes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
• 1 small yellow onion, grated and squeezed dry
• 5 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 1 jalapeño, grated
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/3 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ice water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 pitas, cut in half
• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the beef, grated onion, garlic, jalapeño, tomato paste, parsley, cilantro, olive oil, ice water, and spices until fully combined and slightly sticky.
3. Cut the pitas in half and gently open each pocket (heat the pitas in the microwave for a few seconds first to make them easier to open). Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture inside each pita, then brush the outside generously with olive oil.
4. Heat a pan over medium heat. Cook the arayes meat side down first for 1–2 minutes until charred, then flip and cook each pita side until golden and crispy.
5. Finish in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the meat reaches 155°F internally.
6. While the arayes cook, mix together all sauce ingredients until smooth.
7. Brush the hot arayes with olive oil mixed with minced garlic and parsley, then serve with the dipping sauce.