Description:
Meat Hawawshi is a traditional Egyptian street food that consists of pita bread stuffed with spiced ground meat, often mixed with onions, peppers, and a variety of flavorful seasonings.
The filled bread is then toasted or baked to golden perfection.
It’s a savory, juicy, and aromatic meal loved by many in Egypt and the Middle East.
Perfect for those who love hearty, flavorful dishes!
Ingredients:
500g ground beef or lamb (you can use a mix of both for richer flavor)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
1-2 green chili peppers, chopped (optional, for spice)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
4 large pita bread (or Egyptian Baladi bread)
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for added richness)
Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish (optional)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meat Filling:
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and golden.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the ground meat to the pan. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
Stir in the chopped peppers, chili peppers (if using), tomato paste, and all the spices (cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, black pepper, and salt). Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool down a bit.
Stuff the Pita Bread:
Slice the pita bread in half to create a pocket, then gently open it up.
Spoon the meat mixture into the pita bread pocket, making sure to pack it in tightly for even cooking.
Cook the Hawawshi:
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a little oil or butter to the skillet for extra flavor.
Place the stuffed pita in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the meat is sizzling inside.
Alternatively, you can bake the stuffed pita in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is crispy.
Serve and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove the Hawawshi from the pan and let it rest for a minute before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley or coriander if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
Meat Choice: Ground beef is most commonly used, but you can also use lamb for a richer, more flavorful dish.
Spices: Adjust the spice level according to your taste. Add more chili peppers for extra heat or omit them if you prefer a milder version.
Bread Selection: Traditional Egyptian Hawawshi uses thick Baladi bread, but regular pita bread works well if unavailable. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling.
For Extra Flavor: Spread a thin layer of butter or ghee on the outside of the pita before cooking to add a golden crisp and rich taste.
Variations:
Vegetarian Hawawshi: Substitute the meat with a mixture of mushrooms, sautéed onions, and chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Hawawshi: Add shredded cheese to the meat mixture for a cheesy, gooey filling.
Fried Hawawshi: Instead of baking or griddling, you can deep fry the stuffed pita for an extra crispy texture.
Correction:
Ensure that you do not overstuff the pita; too much filling can cause the bread to tear or not cook evenly.
If you bake the Hawawshi, keep an eye on the bread to avoid burning.
Enjoy!
Serve the Meat Hawawshi hot with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad, pickles, or fries. Whether you’re having it as a snack, lunch, or dinner, this delicious Egyptian treat is sure to satisfy your cravings!
Enjoy making this delicious and flavorful Meat Hawawshi!