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Prep time
1 hour 20 minutes
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Cook time
15 minutes
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Serves
6
Author Notes
Ara’yes are meat-stuffed pitas originating from Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. They’re traditionally prepared with lamb, beef, or a combination of the two, and seasoned heavily with warm spices. After a quick marinade in the fridge, you fill the pita with the mixture, smash it, then grill the bread on both sides to create a crispy exterior and a savory, juicy filling. This turkey variation is a lighter but equally satisfying version of the classic, with a well-spiced mix that stays true to the dish’s roots. A bright, fresh, and slightly smoky yogurt dipping sauce rounds it all out. —César Pérez
Test Kitchen Notes
Products used: Staub Cast-Iron Square Grill Pan —Food52
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Turkey Ara’yes With Yogurt Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
- For the ara’yes:
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1 pound
ground turkey
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1
medium yellow onion, grated
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5
cloves garlic, grated
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2 teaspoons
Diamond Crystal kosher salt
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2 teaspoons
baharat
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1/2 teaspoon
freshly cracked black pepper
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1 teaspoon
harissa paste
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1/2 teaspoon
smoked paprika
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1/4 teaspoon
cumin
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2 tablespoons
tomato paste
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1/4 cup
flat leaf parsley, chopped
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1 tablespoon
extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
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6
pita breads, halved and split to form pockets
- For the yogurt dipping sauce:
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1 cup
plain yogurt
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1
clove garlic, grated
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1/2 teaspoon
Diamond Crystal kosher salt
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1/4 teaspoon
freshly cracked black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon
smoked paprika
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2 tablespoons
fresh dill, chopped
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1 tablespoon
extra virgin olive oil
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Juice and zest of half a lemon
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, harissa, paprika, cumin, tomato paste, parsley, baharat, and one tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour and up to overnight.
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Fill the pita pockets with 2 tablespoons of turkey mixture, pressing down ensuring that the meat is evenly distributed. Lightly brush with olive oil.
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Heat a grill pan over medium heat and brush with olive oil. Once hot, cook the ara’yes 5 to 7 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown. Use a digital thermometer to check the temperature—it should be 165°F.
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For the yogurt dipping sauce, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and serve cold alongside your hot or room temperature ara’yes (you can serve them either way).
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