Dinner

Arayes with Tahini Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Name: Arayes with Tahini Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb. ground beef or lamb; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 tsp. ground coriander; 1 tsp. ground cumin; 1 tsp. smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric; 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper; 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon; 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped, divided; 2 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided; 4 (6″) pitas, cut in half; 2 tbsp. neutral oil, plus more if grilling; 1/3 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp. tahini; 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp. water; 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill

Bylilan Sage June 25, 2026June 25, 2026

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Introduction

Arayes is a delicious Middle Eastern dish featuring pita bread stuffed with a flavorful spiced meat mixture and grilled to perfection. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, it’s perfect as a snack or a satisfying meal.

A tall stack of golden brown folded pieces of bread filled with a chunky, rich brown meat mixture showing bits of onions and spices is arranged on a white marbled surface. The bread has a slightly crispy texture with some darker toasted edges. A creamy white sauce with green herbs is poured down the middle of the stack, dripping over the edges and pooling on the surface below. The top piece is partially open, revealing the moist filling inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. ground beef or lamb
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped, divided
2 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
4 (6″) pitas, cut in half
2 tbsp. neutral oil, plus more if grilling
1/3 c. Greek yogurt
2 tbsp. tahini
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp. water
1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or lamb, chopped onion, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon, half of the garlic, and 1 3/4 teaspoons of the kosher salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Step 2: Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions. Fill each pita half with a portion of the meat mixture, then gently press the pita to spread and secure the filling inside.
Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Working in batches, cook the stuffed pitas, turning once halfway through, until both sides are deep golden brown and the filling reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, water, the remaining garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped fresh dill.
Step 5: Cut each cooked pita in half to create two triangles. Arrange on a serving platter and serve warm with the tahini yogurt sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

For a smoky flavor, use lamb instead of beef or a mix of both meats.
If you prefer, grill the pitas instead of pan-frying for a charred taste and crisp texture.
Add chopped fresh parsley or mint to the meat mixture for extra freshness.
Serve with a side salad or pickles for added contrast.

Storage

Store any leftover arayes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven to retain crispness. The tahini yogurt sauce is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.