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Egyptian Hawawshi

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A delicious and hearty Egyptian street food, Hawawshi features seasoned ground beef or lamb stuffed inside a flatbread and baked to crispy perfection. Often served with fresh tomatoes and herbs, it offers a flavorful balance of savory spices and tender meat.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chili flakes (optional for spice)
  • 4 pieces of pita bread or Egyptian flatbread
  • 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter for brushing
  • Fresh tomatoes, sliced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  2. Add the ground beef or lamb to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
  3. Stir in the parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste and bell pepper, then cook for 5 more minutes until everything is well combined and cooked through. Set the filling aside to cool slightly.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Cut the pita bread into two halves (like pockets). Carefully open the pockets, being careful not to tear the bread.
  6. Stuff each pita pocket with the meat mixture, pressing the filling gently inside so it’s evenly distributed.
  7. Brush the outside of each stuffed pita pocket with olive oil or melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.
  8. Place the stuffed pitas on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bread is crispy and golden brown.
  9. Remove from the oven and serve the Hawawshi hot, with fresh tomato slices and chopped parsley on the side for garnish.

Notes

  • Feel free to use only beef or lamb, depending on your preference.
  • Adjust the level of spice by increasing or reducing the chili flakes.
  • If you prefer a more crispy texture, you can grill the stuffed pitas after baking for an additional minute or two.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/egyptian-hawawshi/