Hawawshi
Hawawshi is a beloved Egyptian street food consisting of spiced ground meat baked inside pita bread until golden brown and crispy. It's a flavorful and satisfying sandwich perfect for a quick meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 Pita bread(About 6-8 inches in diameter)
- 500 g Ground beef(80/20 lean to fat ratio is ideal for flavor and juiciness)
- 1 Onion(Medium-sized, finely chopped)
- 1 Green bell pepper(Finely chopped (seeds and membranes removed))
- 1 Tomato(Medium-sized, finely chopped (seeds removed to prevent excess moisture))
- 1 tsp Cumin(Ground)
- 1 tsp Coriander(Ground)
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper(Or to taste, for a touch of heat)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2-3 tbsp Vegetable oil or olive oil(For brushing the pita)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the filling: Finely chop the onion, green bell pepper, and tomato. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped vegetables, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture should be fragrant and evenly spiced.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Stuff the pita bread: Carefully cut each pita bread in half to create pockets, or cut around the edge to open one side. Divide the meat mixture evenly among the four pita breads. Gently stuff the mixture into each pita pocket, spreading it out as evenly as possible to fill the bread. Ensure the meat mixture is packed relatively firmly but not so much that it will burst during baking. Aim for a consistent layer of meat within each pita.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Bake the hawawshi: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the stuffed pita breads on a baking sheet. Brush the outside of each pita generously with vegetable oil or olive oil. This will help the bread become golden brown and crispy. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pita is crisp and golden, and the meat filling is cooked through and no longer pink. You should hear a slight sizzle from the baking meat.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 4
Serve: Remove the hawawshi from the oven. Let it rest for a minute or two before cutting. Cut each stuffed pita in half diagonally. Serve hot, with a side of tahini sauce, yogurt, or your favorite pickles for a complete and delicious meal.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For best results, pack the meat mixture evenly and not too loosely to prevent it from falling out during baking.
- ✓Brushing the pita with oil is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- ✓The ideal hawawshi should have a crispy exterior with a juicy, flavorful meat filling inside.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the meat mixture for extra warmth.
- Incorporate finely chopped parsley or cilantro into the meat mixture for added freshness.
- Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese (like mozzarella or a sharp cheddar) over the meat filling before baking for a cheesy twist.