Arayes with Cheese: A Melty Middle Eastern Miracle!

Arayes with cheese is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that is perfect for any occasion. It consists of pita bread stuffed with ground beef and melted cheese. The combination of savory beef and gooey cheese is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

When I first tried it, I was blown away by the flavors. The crispy pita bread combined with the flavorful beef and melty cheese was a match made in heaven. It quickly became one of my favorite dishes, and I knew I had to share it with others.

If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or just looking for a new dish to try, this arayes is worth a taste. It’s easy to make and can be served as an appetizer or main course. So why not give it a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself?

My wife and I were having lunch at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Antwerp, Belgium. After going over the menu and placing our order, a young Middle Eastern waitress brought a dish to our table. It was called arayes with cheese, and it was a Middle Eastern version of a grilled sandwich stuffed with cheese.

As we were enjoying our meal, a customer brought a large group of noisy children, disrupting other diners’ experiences. After a while, when the commotion settled, I requested the recipe from the restaurant chef, who agreed to give it to me. Here are the ingredients the recipe contained: an onion, parsley, garlic cloves, a tomato, ground beef, tomato paste, hot pepper paste, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, Lebanese 7 spice, Aleppo pepper, black pepper, kosher salt, mozzarella cheese, and pita bread.

Accompanied Dishes

When it comes to enjoying this dish, there are a few dishes that pair perfectly with it. Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve alongside arayes:

Tabbouleh Salad: This traditional Lebanese salad is made with parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat. The fresh flavors and crunch of the salad complement the warm and cheesy arayes perfectly.
Hummus: A classic dip that goes well with almost anything, hummus is a great option to serve with arayes. Its creamy texture and subtle flavors help balance out the richness of the cheese.
Baba Ghanoush: Another popular dip, baba ghanoush is made with roasted eggplant, tahini, and lemon juice. Its smoky flavor and creamy texture make it a great pairing for the warm and crispy arayes.
Fattoush Salad: This Lebanese salad is made with a variety of fresh vegetables, including cucumber, tomatoes, and radishes. Topped with a tangy dressing and crispy pita chips, it provides a refreshing contrast to the warm and cheesy arayes.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, are a great side dish to serve with arayes. The charred flavors and smoky aroma of the vegetables complement the warm and cheesy flavors of the arayes.

These are just a few of the many dishes that pair well with it. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairing!

Ingredients:

1 quartered yellow onion
1 cup parsley, stems and leaves
3 peeled garlic cloves
1 quartered small tomato (optional)
1 pound of ground beef and/or ground lamb
1 tbsp of tomato paste
1 tbsp of hot pepper paste
1 tbsp of pomegranate molasses
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 tsp of Lebanese 7-spice
1 tsp of Aleppo pepper, plus more to taste
1/2 tsp of black pepper
1 tsp of kosher salt
6 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese
12 halves of pita bread

How to Make Arayes with Cheese?

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To make delicious arayes with cheese, start by preparing the filling. Put the onion, parsley, garlic, and tomato (if you’re using it) in a blender and blend until it’s chopped up small. If there is liquid collecting at the bottom, strain the mixture for a few minutes.
Next, put the drained veggies in a bowl. Add the meat, hot pepper paste, pomegranate molasses, tomato paste, one tablespoon of olive oil, Aleppo pepper, black pepper, Lebanese 7 spice, and salt. Mix it up with your hands until it’s all blended.
When the filling’s done, heat a grill pan or a heavy pan on medium. Cut the pita loaves in half and open up the pockets.
Then, spoon about ¼ cup of meat filling into each half, spreading it evenly into all the edges. Add some shredded cheese and close the pita pockets.
To finish, brush both sides lightly with olive oil and sprinkle some salt on top. Put the pita halves filled with meat and cheese in the hot pan. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden and crunchy, and the meat’s cooked how you like it.
Finally, serve the arayes hot with an extra drizzle of pomegranate molasses or a dipping sauce if desired.

Tips and Tricks

When making this dish, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the best results.

First, make sure to use high-quality cheese. The type of cheese you use will greatly affect the flavor and texture of the arayes. I recommend using a combination of mozzarella and feta cheese for a delicious and creamy filling.
Second, don’t overstuff your arayes. While it may be tempting to add as much filling as possible, overstuffing can cause the arayes to burst open during cooking. Instead, use a moderate amount of filling and spread it evenly throughout the pita bread.
Third, brush the arayes with olive oil before cooking. This will help them crisp up and develop a golden-brown color.
Finally, be patient when cooking the arayes. It’s important to cook them slowly over medium heat to ensure that the cheese filling melts and the pita bread becomes crispy.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make delicious and perfectly cooked arayes every time.

Variations of Arayes with Cheese

When it comes to arayes with cheese, there are many variations you can try to find the one that suits your taste buds. Here are a few popular variations:

Feta cheese arayes: This variation uses feta cheese, which gives the arayes a tangy and salty taste. It’s perfect for those who prefer a stronger cheese flavor.
Mozzarella cheese arayes: This variation uses mozzarella cheese, which gives the arayes a mild and creamy taste. It’s perfect for those who prefer a milder cheese flavor.
Cheddar cheese arayes: This variation uses cheddar cheese, which gives the arayes a sharp and savory taste. It’s perfect for those who prefer a stronger cheese flavor.
Parmesan cheese arayes: This variation uses parmesan cheese, which gives the arayes a nutty and salty taste. It’s perfect for those who prefer a stronger cheese flavor.

You can also experiment with adding different herbs and spices to your arayes. For example, you can add some oregano or basil for a Mediterranean twist, or some cumin or paprika for a Middle Eastern flavor.

Overall, this arayes is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that you can customize to your liking. Give these variations a try and see which one becomes your favorite!

Conclusion

In conclusion, arayes with cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a tasty appetizer to serve at your next party, this arayes is sure to impress.

One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. You can use any type of cheese you like, from mozzarella to feta, and you can even add in other ingredients like herbs, spices, or vegetables to customize the flavor to your liking.

Another great thing about it is that it’s so easy to make. All you need is some pita bread, cheese, and a few simple ingredients, and you can have a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.

Overall, I would highly recommend giving arayes with cheese a try. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Did you know? Arayes pairs perfectly with tahini.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):