Bread with Meat – Ingredients and Cooking Method

Bread with Meat – Ingredients and Cooking Method

Bread with meat, also known as "Arayes," is one of the most popular dishes in Arab countries. It’s a beloved traditional meal, often prepared using thin bread and cooked either by grilling over charcoal or baking in wood-fired ovens. This dish is rich in protein, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

In this article from the cooking website Arabi Cook (Arabicook.com), we’ll share the ingredients and preparation method for bread with meat.

Ingredients for Bread with Meat:

For the dough:

• 5 cups of white flour
• 1 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1 ½ tablespoons of yeast
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 2 cups of warm water

For the filling:

• ½ kg of ground beef or lamb
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 ½ cups of finely chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon of salt and black pepper
• ½ teaspoon of cumin and ground red chili flakes
• A pinch of ground cinnamon

Cooking Method:

1. Preparing the Dough:

   • Dissolve the yeast and sugar in ½ cup of water, then cover and leave in a warm place for 10 minutes to activate.
   • In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with the salt. Add the butter or oil and knead well.
   • Pour the yeast mixture into the flour, gradually adding warm water until you form a firm dough.
   • Cover the dough and leave it in a warm place for 30 minutes to rise.

2. Preparing the Filling:

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with cumin, olive oil, finely chopped onions, salt, cinnamon, parsley, black pepper, and red chili flakes. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.

3. Assembling the Bread:

   • Divide the dough into equal-sized balls. Roll each ball into a circular shape.
   • Place a portion of the filling on one half of the dough, fold it over to create a semi-circle, and press the edges firmly to seal.
   • Brush the dough with a little oil, then cook in a pan, flipping it on both sides until it’s golden brown and crisp.

4. Serving:

   • Repeat the process until all the dough is used up.
   • Serve the bread with meat on a platter, accompanied by a side of cucumber yogurt salad or tabbouleh for a complete meal.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish!