Hawawshi Baladi
Hawawshi Baladi is a beloved Egyptian street food featuring a rustic pita bread stuffed with a flavorful, spiced ground meat mixture. It's a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for a quick meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground beef(Preferably 80/20 lean to fat ratio for best flavor and moisture.)
- 4 rounds Baladi bread(These are rustic, whole wheat Egyptian flatbreads. If unavailable, use large, thick pita bread.)
- 2 medium Onion(Finely chopped or grated for better integration into the meat mixture.)
- 2 tbsp Egyptian spice blend (Baharat)(A common blend includes cumin, coriander, paprika, black pepper, and sometimes cinnamon or cloves. Adjust to taste.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(Finely chopped, for freshness and color.)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
- 1-2 Optional: Hot peppers (e.g., serrano or jalapeño)(Finely minced, seeds removed for less heat, if desired. Adjust quantity based on spice preference.)
- 2-3 tbsp Olive oil or Ghee(For brushing the bread before cooking.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the meat filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped or grated onions, Egyptian spice blend, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. If using, add the minced hot peppers. Use your hands to thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. The mixture should be fragrant and homogenous.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Stuff the bread: Carefully cut each round of Baladi bread in half horizontally to create pockets, or slice along one edge to open it like a book. Divide the meat mixture evenly among the four bread rounds. Gently stuff the meat mixture into each bread pocket, spreading it evenly to fill the bread without overstuffing. Aim for a layer about 1/2 inch thick.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Prepare for cooking: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or prepare your grill for medium-high heat. Lightly brush the outside of each stuffed bread round with olive oil or ghee. This helps create a crispy exterior.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Cook the Hawawshi: \n**Oven Method:** Place the stuffed bread rounds directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the meat filling is cooked through. You should hear a gentle sizzle from the filling.\n**Grill Method:** Place the stuffed bread rounds on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the bread is nicely charred and crispy, and the meat is fully cooked. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 5
Serve: Once cooked, remove the Hawawshi from the oven or grill. Let it rest for a minute or two. Cut each stuffed bread round into quarters. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. It's traditionally enjoyed on its own or with a side of tahini sauce or a fresh salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a rustic texture, use whole wheat Baladi bread. If using standard pita, ensure it's thick enough to hold the filling.
- ✓Hawawshi is a quintessential Egyptian street food, often sold from small carts or shops.
- ✓Serve with a side of tahini sauce, a simple tomato and cucumber salad, or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of hot peppers or add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture.
- Add a handful of shredded cheese (like mozzarella or a sharp white cheese) to the meat filling before stuffing the bread for a cheesy twist.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, and spices.