Crispy Middle Eastern Meat-Stuffed Flatbreads (Arayes-Style)
Craving a Turkish-style pizza but don’t have time to knead dough? Arayes are your best friend. These crispy, oven-baked stuffed flatbreads are packed with spiced meat, herbs, and pine nuts—ready in no time and incredibly satisfying. Crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they’re a perfect quick dinner or party snack.
🕒 Prep Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 (8 pieces)
🛒 Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lb) ground lamb or veal
- 2 large flatbreads or pita breads
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 tsp baharat spice mix
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- Chili flakes or powder (optional, to taste)
- 1 tbsp tomato passata (or 1 small grated tomato)
- 1 tbsp mild red pepper paste
- ¼ bunch fresh parsley
- 3–4 mint leaves
- 1 tbsp oil (for sautéing + brushing)
- Salt, to taste
🔪 Instructions
1. Cook the Filling
- In a hot pan, heat 1 tbsp oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground meat, baharat, cumin, and salt. Cook until the meat is lightly browned.
- Drain most of the fat from the pan to avoid soggy breads.
- Taste the filling—adjust salt and add chili if desired.
- Stir in the tomato passata and pepper paste, then fold in the finely chopped parsley and mint. Mix well and remove from heat.
2. Assemble the Arayes
- Cut each flatbread into 4 quarters (you’ll get 8 pieces total).
- Fill each quarter with about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle with pine nuts.
- Press the top layer of bread gently so it sticks to the filling.
- Brush the tops with a small amount of oil for extra crispness.
3. Bake
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the stuffed flatbreads on a baking tray.
- Bake for 5 minutes, flip, and bake another 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, accompanied by:
- A bowl of cold, creamy yogurt
- Onion salad with sumac and parsley
- Pickled vegetables or a fresh cucumber-tomato salad
🌿 Final Thoughts
Arayes are the perfect fusion of convenience and flavor—ideal for a quick lunch, mezze platter, or game night snack. With bold spices, a crunchy crust, and juicy interior, this dish delivers Middle Eastern comfort in every bite.