Derek Chen's Arayes

Source: Derek Chen

Ingredients

Arayes

• 1 lbs ground lamb
• 1/2 yellow onion (grated and drained)
• 1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (grated)
• 1 tsp Baharat (Seasoning)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4-5 pita
• Olive oil for cooking

Sauce

• 1/2 cup greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp parsley(chopped)
• 2 tbsp cilantro(chopped)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup tahini
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic(grated)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Grate onion and squeeze out liquid using a clean kitchen towel.
2. Combine onion, grated garlic, parsley, cilantro, spices, and olive oil in a bowl.
3. Thoroughly incorporate mixture with lamb.
4. Cut pita in half, stuff with lamb and drizzle generously with olive oil.
5. Heat heavy bottom pan on medium heat and sear arayes meat side down for 1-2 minutes until it gets a nice crust then toast on the pita sides until golden brown and crisp.
6. Place in an oven set at 350°F until cooked through(10-15 minutes). Meat should register around 155°F. 
7. Make sauce by combining all ingredients making sure to adjust for personal taste.
8. Serve arayes with sauce and enjoy.

Notes

• Uses Baharat (Seasoning)