People believe that healthy and low carb foods are often boring and have a dull flavor. In addition to the scarcity of finding affordable healthier options. However, this is not the case, and such myths must be debunked! The number of healthy recipes inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine is impressive. Low Carb Arayes for instance, is a cleaner version of the authentic Meat Stuffed Pitas (Palestinian Arayes).
With a slight switch of ingredients, but with safekeeping the delectable flavors and tempting crunch, this light and healthy Arayes is on another level of perfection. It is created with a tasty fusion of lean ground beef, onions, tomatoes, garlic, bell pepper, and an aromatic blend of spices. This combination is then nestled in a low carb pita bread.
Elevate your healthy foods list and add this nutritious Arayes recipe!
Nutritious Stuffed Pita Pockets
Low Carb Arayes VS the Classic Arayes
First of all, let us clear things up, we are familiar with the meat stuffed pitas (Arayes) concept. If not, it is as simple as it sounds. A traditional Palestinian delight made with Pita bread, stuffed with seasoned ground beef and baked to perfection. To learn more about it go ahead and check out my Meat Stuffed Pitas (Palestinian Arayes) recipe.
On the other hand, low carb arayes recipe is a smart and delicious alternative for the authentic beef arayes. Luckily, the major distinctions between these two do not entirely mold the classic flavor and crispiness of the original.
And with that being said, let us delve into the differences. Originally, classic meat stuffed pitas are made with traditional pita bread, unlike light arayes, which are made with any low carb pita or tortilla bread.
Another difference would be in the type of meat incorporated in the filling. For instance, traditional pita pockets use any kind of meat without considering its level of fat. However, in this lighter version of arayes, the meat used must be lean or extra lean ground beef. To reduce the consumption of unnecessary fats.
A Filling Guilty-Free Meal!
Serving Suggestions
Initially, people enjoy beef stuffed pitas as a main dish or an appetizer. However, to enhance the flavors of this low carb arayes, it is recommended to have it with a variety of refreshing sides.
What is better than dipping the arayis in cool Cucumber Yogurt Salad | Khiyar Bi Laban! Nothing complements the flavors of spices and minced meat other than the refreshing yogurt. It balances out the flavors and cools down the warm arayis!
Besides, there are countless side salad options to have with these nutritious stuffed pita pockets. Fattoush, Arabic Chopped Salad (Salata Arabiyeh), or Tabbouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh) are ideal to have with arayes for their tangy notes and addictive crunch!
Moreover, creamy hummus is considered a great dip to pair with meat-stuffed pitas. It is a tad lemony, wholesome, and versatile.
Look at that Juicy Stuffing!
Top Tips and Tricks
Make sure to use baking soda. It is a crucial ingredient to add to the filling since it helps the beef retain moisture because it has a low fat content.
If you like a kick of heat, you can add Jalapeño pepper. This step is totally optional.
You can either choose to add freshly chopped parsley or dried ones.
Low carb pitas are used in this recipe. However, you can opt for low carb tortillas.
This recipe is the healthier version of the traditional one. Therefore, do not drizzle olive oil, instead, spray some over the pitas before cooking.
You can choose to prepare the stuffing ahead of time in order to allow the flavors to meld.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can definitely use other lean or extra lean ground chicken or turkey if you are not a fan of lean ground beef.
It is extremely easy to make your own blend from scratch. You will only need to mix equal parts cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, ground cloves, white pepper, and finally ground coriander.
Absolutely! You can either prepare the filling or the whole pita ahead of time. However, both must be placed in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. And when you are ready to have them, you can reheat them in the oven.
In this case, you have two easy options to choose from. You can either air fry them for 10-14 minutes at 400 degrees or choose to bake at 425°F for 8 to 12 minutes.
Imagine Biting into This Golden-Crispy Perfection!
Ingredients for low Carb Arayes
Lean ground beef
Low calorie pita bread
Yellow onion
Garlic
Roma tomatoes
Bell pepper
Jalapeño pepper (optional)
Olive oil spray
Seasonings:
Aleppo pepper
7 spice
Coriander
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Baking Soda
Black pepper
Paprika
Parsley (optional)
How to Make Flavorful Low Carb Pita Pockets
First, add the vegetables to a food processor and process until chunky.
Next, add the vegetable blend to a bowl along with the beef and all the seasonings.
Then, cut the pita bread in half to create two half pockets per pita.
After that, stuff the meat mixture equally among all eight.
Finally, lay them flat on a baking sheet and spray with olive oil lightly on both sides.
Air fry at 400 for 10-14 minutes flipping halfway through. Or, bake at 425°F until crispy for about 8-12 minutes depending on your oven.
Recipes You Have to Try:
Grilled Halloumi And Orzo Salad
Authentic Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Viral Smashed Burger Tacos (Middle Eastern Style)
Butter Chicken Paratha Quesadilla
Middle Eastern Restaurant-Style Chicken
Tender Middle Eastern Style Beef Shawarma
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Low Carb Arayes
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 Joseph's 60 calorie pita or any low calorie pita/ low carb tortilla
- 1 small yellow onion
- 5 garlic cloves
- 2 large aroma tomatoes
- ½ bell pepper
- ⅓ jalapeno optional
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper
- 2 teaspoons 7 spice
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Add the vegetables to a food processor and process until chunky.
- Add the vegetable blend to a bowl along with the beef and all the seasonings.
- Cut the pita breads in half to create two half pockets per pita.
- Stuff the meat mixture equally among all eight.
- lay them flat on a baking sheet and spray with olive oil lightly on both sides. Air fry at 400 for 10-14 minutes flipping halfway through. Or, bake at 425 degrees F until crispy for about 8-12 minutes depending on your oven.
Notes
- Make sure to use baking soda. It is a crucial ingredient to add to the filling. Since it helps the beef retain moisture because it has a low fat content.
- If you like a kick of heat, you can add Jalapeño pepper. This step is totally optional.
- Low carb pitas are used in this recipe. however you can opt for low carb tortillas too.
- This recipe is the healthier version of the traditional one. Therefore, do not drizzle olive oil, instead spray some over the pitas before cooking.
- You can choose to prepare the stuffing ahead of time in order to allow the flavors to meld.
- You can either choose to add freshly chopped parsley or dried parsley.
Is it 300 calories for each half-pita?
Hello! I edited the recipe card, its about 110 calories per half-pita, so about 220 for 1 whole 🙂