Most of us know Middle-Eastern cuisine as hummus and pita bread, maybe with some falafel thrown in for good measure. And while they are definitely delicious additions to the culture there are so many more regional treasures to explore. Lebanese cuisine for example is a vibrant and flavourful kaleidoscope of Lebanon's rich history and diverse culture.
It’s a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours that tantalise the taste buds and leave a lasting impression. Lebanese cuisine is a feast for the senses, combining fresh and seasonal ingredients with traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations. One treasured dish that you can find in most places in Arayes. Arayes are essentially grilled or toasted pita bread sandwiches filled with spiced ground meat, onions, and tomatoes. They're a staple in Lebanese cuisine and are often served as an appetiser or as part of a larger spread of mezze.
Arayes have their roots in the Levant region of the Middle East, which includes Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. The dish has been a part of Lebanese cuisine for generations and is often served at family gatherings and special occasions. Culturally, Arayes represent a sense of community and togetherness. In Lebanese culture, food is essential to social gatherings and celebrations. Arayes, with their delicious combination of savoury meat and crisp pita bread, are a crowd-pleaser that brings people together.
There are different types of Arayes depending on the filling and cooking method. Some variations use lamb, while others use beef or a combination of the two. Another variation is made with cheese. Instead of meat, the pita bread is filled with a mixture of cheese, such as feta or halloumi, and sometimes herbs like mint or oregano.
Ingredients:
- 500 gms ground chicken
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6-8 pita bread
- Olive oil for brushing
Method:
- Preheat your grill or oven to 190°C
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, chopped tomato, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Cut the pita bread in half and stuff each half with a spoonful of the chicken mixture. Press the pita bread together to seal the edges.
- Brush the pita bread with olive oil on both sides.
- Grill the Arayes over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and the bread is crispy.
- If baking in the oven, place the Arayes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the bread is crispy.
- Serve the chicken Arayes hot with a side of hummus or tzatziki sauce for dipping.