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Aromatic Beef Arayes with Creamy Avocado Dipping Sauce

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Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time40 minutes

Ingredients

For the beef arayes:

  • 4 to 6 pita breads 4 for larger arayes, 6 for thinner arayes
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • 4 garlic cloves grated
  • ½ yellow onion grated (juices and all)
  • 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking

For the creamy avocado sauce:

  • ¼ cup plain yogurt
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ½ avocado or 1/3 cup basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1/3 to ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the grated garlic, onion, chopped parsley, lemon zest and juice, honey, paprika, coriander, cumin, salt, cinnamon, and black pepper. Mix well.
  • Add the ground beef until spices are well incorporated.
  • Let the mixture rest covered for 20 minutes.
  • Slice the pitas in half to create 2 pita pockets each. Stuff the pitas with the seasoned beef to be ½” thick to 1 ½” thick. The thicker, the longer baking time. They may need to pop in the oven at 400F for 5 minutes after searing.
  • Place a large skillet over medium high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until very hot. Add the olive oil then place the arayes meat-side down to sear for 1 minute, or until golden and easily lifts.
  • Flip with a spatula to cook 1 to 2 minutes on both sides of the pita bread, until golden brown and crispy.
  • For the sauce, combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender to pulse until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Enjoy the arayes warm with the sauce on the side for dipping
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