Budget Bites: Arayas
- Katie Lolas
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
These crispy Levantine meat-stuffed pitas are one of the easiest family dinners you’ll make. Packed with flavour, ready in around 30 minutes and made with simple, affordable ingredients, they’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying. Served with a creamy tahini yoghurt dip, this meal comes in at approximately $3-$4 per serve, making it a Budget Bites winner. Save this recipe for later and give it a try. Once you hear that crispy crunch, you’ll understand why it’s a family favourite!
Serves: 4
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Ready in: 30 mins
Ingredients
Arayas
5 pita breads, similar thickness to traditional Lebanese bread but smaller in diameter
500–600g beef mince
1 small onion, finely chopped (if you don’t have a food processor)
3 cloves garlic, mince
¾ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (if you don’t have a food processor)
1 tsp pimento
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
Olive oil spray
Tahini Dip
1 cup plain yoghurt
2 tbsp tahini
Juice of ½ lemon
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp salt
Method
Step 1. In a large bowl, combine the beef mince, garlic, onion and parsley. Mix well with your hands until everything is evenly combined. Alternatively, place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until combined. Add the pimento, black pepper and salt, then mix again.
Step 2. Cut each pita bread in half or quarters to create pockets.
Step 3. Divide the meat mixture evenly between the pita pockets, pressing it into a thin, even layer right to the edges.
Step 4. Lightly spray both sides of the pitas with olive oil.
Step 5. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the arayas for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until golden, crispy and the meat is cooked through. Depending on the thickness of your filling, you may need an extra minute per side.
Step 6. To make the tahini dip, whisk together the yoghurt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and salt until smooth and creamy.
Step 7. Serve the arayas hot with the tahini dip on the side for dipping.
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