Spicy Chicken Arayes Recipe

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat oven to 400˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the tomato and onion into a large bowl; let sit while you carry on with step

3. 3

   Mince the garlic and herbs together on a cutting board. Place the pine nuts and caraway seeds in a zip-top bag and smash until you have crumbs.

4. 4

   Blot the onion and tomato with paper towel to get rid of the excess water. Add the herbs, pine nuts, caraway, harissa or cayenne, salt, paprika, baharat or allspice, and pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken and mix well.

5. 5

   Divide the chicken mix evenly over the open side of 4 pita rounds, then flatten the meat down so that it spreads and is about ¼-inch thick. Top each with a second pita round, so that you have 4 sandwiches.

6. 6

   Heat a large fry pan over medium heat. Add half the oil and butter (if using). Add 2 pita sandwiches at a time and fry for a minute or so on each side or until golden brown; transfer to the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining oil and butter and the other 2 sandwiches. Transfer the sheet to the oven and cook for 8 minutes. Let cool for about 5 minutes and then slice each sandwich in half.

7. 7

   Enjoy dipped in Basic Tahini. Serves

8. 8

   Basic Tahini: In a medium size bowl, using a whisk, stir together the tahini, water and lemon. It should be the consistence of thick cream. Add more water to thin it out if needed.