Entree: Israel – Israeli Street Food – עראייס ➤ Arayes (Grilled pita pockets filled with seasoned ground lamb or beef and fresh herbs)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 8 min

Total 25 min

Ingredients

- 4 large pita pockets (4 each)
- 1 lb (454 g) ground lamb or ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 4 oz / 115 g)
- 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) pomegranate molasses (optional)
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground coriander
- 1 tsp (2 g) sumac
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (6 g) kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. In a bowl combine the ground lamb, chopped onion, parsley, olive oil, pomegranate molasses (if using), cumin, coriander, sumac, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Mix until evenly combined.
2. Cut each pita pocket open and gently separate into two halves; fill each half with about 1/4 of the meat mixture, spreading it thin and even against the inner surface of the pita so it forms a flat pocket.
3. Brush both outer sides of each filled pita with a little olive oil.
4. Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place pitas seam-side down and press with a spatula or a heavy pan; cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until the bread is crisp and the meat is cooked through and browned. Alternatively, use a panini press for 4–6 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, let rest 1 minute, then cut each pita in half and serve hot.