My Mum's Best Ever Arayes Recipe - Meat Sandwich

Please click this link for this recipe in Arabic

Serves 5 large, 20 minis or triangles  |  Easy

I have always loved the day we had Arayes at home. I did not know how much I have missed that, till Mum made them this summer. The smell, just took me there... back in the years when I was back from school. As I opened the door, the house smelled of the nice aromas grilling in the oven. I would rush to the kitchen, to find Mum just taking them out of the oven. Perfectly on time, like she always knew what we wanted and when we needed it the most. I would look up to her always and think she is my hero. I had the same grin again this summer :))) Bless!

On a busy day, there is nothing yummier than these amazing little sandwiches of goodness. Easy to prepare and serve they make a very good meal for the whole family. Being finger foods, they are also popular with the lil ones :) just remember to not use chilis for the kids portion of it. Use Mini pitas instead of large ones (available at supermarkets) and you got yourself an impressively yummy platter for a cocktail party or an appetiser.

You Need
500g minced lamb (you can use beef but lamb is better for this recipe, keeps it moist and not dry)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium capsicum, finely chopped
1 large tomato, finely chopped
1 bunch parsley, finely choppd
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp red chilis in oil  (Shatta) found in most supermarkets in the sauces & pickles section
for extra spicy 1 gren chili, finely chopped
Salt & Pepper to taste

5 Pita breads or mini pitas

Preheat oven to 400F.
Mix all the chopped vegetables, herbs & seasoning. Add the minced lamb and mix till all ingredients are well blended.

Seperate bread layers, brush insides & out with seasoned olive oil. Place meat mix inside and spread on all of the bread. Top with another bread layer (keep insides of bread facing outwards). Fill all 5 Pita bread the same way.

Place on a baking sheet, and bake till browned and the meat is cooked through. Can be grilled with an elecrtic grill as well. the charred lines make it look even better :)
Serve hot (whole or cut into triangles) with hommus or yoghurt.

These Arayes are fabulous for cocktail parties too. Use mini Pita breads instead. Once grilled place on serving platter around a Hummus Dip or a Minted Yoghurt Dip. Divine!




Let me know what you think of these super yummy, super fast meat sandwiches, leave me a comment.