Arayes Kafta

Name: Arayes Kafta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Jordanian
Ingredients: 4 Arabic flatbreads; 500g ground lamb; 1 large onion, grated; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped; 2 tomatoes, finely diced; 1 tsp allspice; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp cayenne; Salt and pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; Tahini sauce for serving

عرايس كفتة (ah-RAH-yes KAF-tah)

Grilled Kafta Flatbread

⏱ Prep Time 25 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 438 kcal

Flatbread stuffed with heavily spiced ground lamb kafta mixture, grilled until the bread is charred and crispy while the filling stays juicy and aromatic. A Jordanian barbecue favorite served with tahini.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 26.0g

Carbs 34.0g

Fat 22.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten

Equipment Needed

grill or grill pan mixing bowl knife

Presentation Guide

Vessel: wooden board, cut into triangles

Garnishes: fresh mint, sliced onions

Accompaniments: tahini sauce, pickled turnips, fattoush

Ingredients

4 Arabic flatbreads
500g ground lamb
1 large onion, grated
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
2 tomatoes, finely diced
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne
Salt and pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
Tahini sauce for serving

Instructions

1
Combine ground lamb with grated onion, parsley, mint, diced tomatoes, allspice, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand.
2
Cut flatbreads in half to create pockets. Open each pocket and spread a thin, even layer of the kafta mixture inside.
3
Press the stuffed flatbreads gently to flatten and distribute the filling evenly. Brush both outer surfaces lightly with olive oil.
4
Preheat grill to medium-high. Place stuffed flatbreads on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until charred grill marks appear.
5
The bread should be crispy and the lamb cooked through. Cut each half into triangles using a sharp knife.
6
Serve immediately on a wooden board with tahini sauce, pickled turnips, sliced onions, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

💡

Did You Know?

In Amman, arayes vendors compete by grilling over charcoal made from specific fruit tree woods, each claiming their wood gives the best smoky flavor.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

grill or grill pan
mixing bowl
knife

Garnishing

fresh mint, sliced onions

Accompaniments

tahini sauce, pickled turnips, fattoush

The Story Behind Arayes Kafta

Arayes kafta is a modern Jordanian street food that perfectly marries the love of grilled meats with the convenience of stuffed bread. The kafta-in-bread concept emerged from practical resourcefulness, allowing grill vendors to serve a complete, portable meal without plates or utensils. In Amman and other Jordanian cities, arayes stands are fixtures of the street food scene, with the smell of charring bread and spiced meat drawing crowds throughout the day.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch, barbecue, casual dining 📜 Origins: Modern Jordanian street food

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