LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2023

ALL ON DECK

Arayes (Grilled Lamb-Stuffed Pitas) With Minty Yogurt Sauce This popular Middle Eastern sandwich (of sorts) finds a spiced lamb filling stuffed inside pitas then grilled to crispy, juicy per fection. If lamb isn’t your thing, medium ground beef works nicely, and if you can’t find baharat spice blend (we love Never Not Eating brand, iamnevernoteating.com), garam masala is a great sub stitute. Arayes can also be cut into triangles and served as an appetizer. MINTY YOGURT SAUCE 1 cup (250 mL) full-fat plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup (125 mL) roughly chopped mint 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lemon juice 1 clove garlic, grated on rasp Salt to taste ARAYES 1 small onion, coarsely chopped 1 cup (250 mL) packed flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 lb (455 g) ground lamb 2 tbsp (30 mL) toasted pine nuts 1 tsp (5 mL) baharat or garam masala 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt (rounded) 4 6-inch (15-cm) pocket pitas, halved Olive oil for brushing 1. For the minty yogurt sauce, place all ingredients in a food processor. Run machine until mint is very finely chopped and sauce is light green. Transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. 2. For the arayes, place onion and parsley in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Blot excess moisture with paper towel. Add lamb, pine nuts, baharat or garam masala, and salt. Mix thoroughly with your hands. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use, up to 1 day.

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5. Clean and oil grate. Grill pitas, turning occasionally, until pitas are crispy and lamb is cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes. (Lower heat if they’re browning too quickly.) 6. Transfer to a serving platter and serve with minty yogurt sauce.

3. When ready to serve, divide filling into 8 even portions—they should be roughly a scant 1/3 cup (80 mL). Stuff each pita half with one portion. Gently press to spread evenly. Place stuffed pitas on a baking tray and brush both sides with olive oil.

This medium-bodied French red has ripe plummy fruit with pep pery floral cardamom notes and is a great fit with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food.

4. Preheat barbecue to medium.

Serves 4

42 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2023