Best Arayes Mini Meat Calzones Recipes

Arayes Mini Meat Calzones Recipes: A Delicious Middle Eastern Treat

If you're a fan of flavorful stuffed breads, then you definitely need to try Arayes mini meat calzones. These delicious Middle Eastern treats combine freshly ground meat, aromatic herbs and spices, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden-brown pocket of dough. While traditional Arayes calzones are typically made using pita bread or Lebanese flatbread, this recipe transforms them into bite-size delights perfect for parties, appetizers, or even lunchboxes.

The Ingredients

To make Arayes mini meat calzones, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef or lamb (you can also use a combo of both)
• 1/2 cup finely minced onion
• 1/4 cup finely minced fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup finely minced fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 10-12 mini pizza dough rounds (you can make your own or use store-bought)

The Process

To make the filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, minced onion, parsley, cilantro, and all of the spices. Use your hands to mix everything together until it's well combined.
2. Add the crumbled feta cheese to the meat mixture and give it another good mix.
3. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the bowl and gently fold it into the meat mixture until it's evenly distributed. Set the filling aside while you prepare the dough.

To make the calzones:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each mini pizza dough round to about 1/4 inch thickness. You want them to be roughly the same size as a hamburger patty.
3. Brush each dough round with olive oil on one side.
4. Place a small spoonful of the meat and cheese filling in the center of each dough round, leaving a little space around the edges.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to make a small calzone, pressing the edges together to seal them shut. If you need to, you can use a fork to crimp the edges to make sure they're sealed well.
6. Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, seam-side down.
7. Brush the tops of the calzones with a little more olive oil to help them brown and crisp up in the oven.
8. Bake the calzones for 15-20 minutes, or until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside and the filling is hot and bubbly on the inside.
9. Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They're best served warm! You can serve them with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for dipping.

Variations

The great thing about Arayes mini meat calzones is that they're highly adaptable, so you can customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas for variations:

• Switch up the cheese: Try using different types of cheese, like goat cheese, brie, or cheddar.
• Add more veggies: Add some diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or sliced mushrooms to the filling mixture for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
• Make them spicy: Add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling mixture for a spicy kick.
• Use different meats: Experiment with using ground chicken, turkey, or pork instead of beef or lamb.

Conclusion

Arayes mini meat calzones are a delicious and easy-to-make Middle Eastern treat that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With their flavorful and satisfying filling and crispy golden-brown crust, they're perfect for any occasion. Give them a try and watch as they quickly become a favorite in your recipe arsenal!

Arayes Mini Meat Calzones are a delicious and easy-to-make Middle Eastern street food staple. These mini meat calzones are made with ground beef or lamb and are usually served with tahini or yogurt, making them the perfect snack or main course. Here are some valuable tips that can help you make delicious and authentic arayes mini meat calzones.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Meat

The choice of meat is crucial when making arayes mini meat calzones. Ground beef or lamb is usually used because they are flavorful, tender, and easy to work with. Ensure that the meat has a reasonable amount of fat. In this way, your Calzone won't turn out dry after cooking. You must also avoid using lean or extra-lean meat, as it can result in a dry and crumbly texture.

Tip 2: Use Authentic Middle Eastern Spices

Using authentic Middle Eastern spices will help you make these Calzones taste authentic. Every Middle Eastern country has its own unique seasoning blend. For example, in Lebanon, they use allspice, cinnamon, and cumin to season their meat. Make sure that you use fresh spices to get the full flavor of your spices. You can also adjust the spices' quantity to suit your taste preference.

Tip 3: Make Your Own Dough

Making your dough from scratch is another valuable tip when making arayes mini meat calzones. Authentic dough can be made using all-purpose flour, yeast, water, salt, and some sugar. There are many recipes available online for homemade dough. Ensure that you give your dough enough time to rest and rise, as this will give your Calzone a fluffy texture.

Tip 4: Get Creative with Fillings

While traditional arayes mini meat calzones are usually filled with ground beef or lamb, you can get creative and experiment with different fillings. Try using chicken, turkey, or even vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. You can also season your filling with different spices and herbs, depending on your preference.

Tip 5: Properly Stuff Your Dough

Properly stuffing your dough is another crucial factor in making arayes mini meat calzones. Make sure that you roll your dough thin enough to make the Calzone easy to bite through. Also, ensure that you do not overfill your Calzone, as this can result in the dough breaking during frying.

Tip 6: Fry Your Calzones

Frying your arayes mini meat calzones is the best way to achieve a crispy exterior while ensuring that the filling is well-cooked. You can fry them in a shallow pan with enough hot oil to cover the dough, or you can deep-fry them if you have a deep-fryer. Frying time should only take three to four minutes until they turn golden brown.

Tip 7: Serve with Traditional Dips

Arayes mini meat calzones are usually served with tahini or yogurt dip. You can make your tahini by mixing tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, and some water. If you're serving with yogurt, you can mix some yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh parsley, dill, or mint for a refreshing taste.

Conclusion

Arayes mini meat calzones are a delicious and easy-to-make Middle Eastern street food staple. By following the valuable tips above, you can make authentic arayes mini meat calzones that are packed with flavor and delicious. Remember to experiment with different fillings and spices and serve with traditional dips for the ultimate experience.