Lebanese Arayes Kafta
Recipe:
2 lbs. 80% ground beef
1 1/2 tsp Lebanese 7 spices
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
2 tsp pomegranate molasses
1/2 cup yellow onion, minced or food processed
1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, minced or food processed
5-6 small Lebanese pita bread, preferably thick
Sides (optional): hummus, plain Greek yogurt, pickled cucumbers, pickled onions
Directions:
In a food processor, place the parsley (but remove most of the bottom stems) and the onions (remove the onion skin and cut into large chunks). Pulse a few times until the parsley and onion turn into very small pieces. About 6-7 times.
Place ground beef in a bowl, then add the onion/parsley mixture, pomegranate molasses, and the spices. Note: If you have any long parsley stems in the mixture, then pick it out.
With you hands, squeeze the mixture until the parsley/onion, molasses, and spices are mixed well with the ground beef.
Using your fingers, pinch and open a flat bread pita. Then spoon 2 spoons of the beef kafta mixture onto one side of the pita and spread it evenly with the spoon. Then close it with the other side of the pita.
Place the pita on a grill (either a charcoal, gas, or electric grill will work) and cook it on low heat until the bread is crispy for 5 minutes max.
The meat inside will definitely be cooked!
Place the cooked arayes on a platter and enjoy. You can enjoy with a side of fattoush, hummus, fries, yogurt, pickled vegetables, the options are endless.
