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Vegan Arayes (Meat Stuffed Pitas)

These fluffy pitas stuffed with a vegan 'meat' filling and paired with a yogurt sauce is addictive and a delicious snack for any time!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle East, Palestinian
Keyword: high protein, pita pockets

Ingredients

  • 4 fresh pitas
  • 2 cups dry TVP or soy chunks
  • 1/4 white onion
  • 1 medium tomato
  • 1 green chili
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup parsley or coriander
  • 1 tbsp Lebanese 7 spice
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp coriander
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 lime
  • 1.5 tbsp corn starch
  • olive oil for frying

Yogurt Dip

  • 2 stalks spring onions only white part with a little bit of green
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp lime juice
  • 1 cup plant based / dairy free greek yogurt
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  • Soak TVP or soy chunks in 5 minutes in hot water. Drain excess water. Blend soy chunks into a mince or use TVP as they are.
  • Blend onion, tomato, green chili, garlic and parsley into a paste.
  • Mix TVP with the paste, spices and corn starch until you get a 'meaty' filling texture.
  • Cut each pita into halves or quarters and gently open the pockets. Stuff them with about 3-4 tbsp of the filling, pressing it down lightly to spread evenly.
  • Brush the outside of each stuffed pita with olive oil. Pan fry for a few minutes on both sides until crispy.
  • Grill - Place on a hot grill for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
    Bake - Preheat oven to 200C and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
    Air-fry - Air fry at 190C for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
  • Blend the ingredients for the yogurt sauce until smooth and creamy.
  • Serve hot with the yogurt sauce.