Hawawshi
Hawawshi is a delicious Egyptian street food featuring spiced minced meat stuffed in a pita. It's flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for a hearty meal.
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Level
Medium
Serves
4
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper.
- 2
Season the mixture with ground cumin, paprika, ground chili, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined.
- 3
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 4
Take one pita bread and cut a slit along one side to create a pocket.
- 5
Stuff the pocket with a generous amount of the meat mixture, pressing it down so it fills nicely.
- 6
Repeat with the remaining pita breads.
- 7
Brush the outside of each stuffed pita with olive oil to give them a nice golden crust while baking.
- 8
Place the stuffed pitas on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the pita is crispy.
- 9
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips
For added flavor, let the meat mixture sit for 30 minutes before stuffing the pitas.
You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili based on your preference.
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Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftover Hawawshi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven for best results to maintain the crispy texture.
Substitutions
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Swap fresh parsley with cilantro for a different flavor.
What to Serve With
- A side of sliced cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Your favorite yogurt dip for added creaminess.
Common Mistakes
- Overstuffing the pitas which can cause them to break while baking.
- Not seasoning the meat mixture well enough can result in bland Hawawshi.
Recipe FAQ
What is Hawawshi?
Hawawshi is a traditional Egyptian dish consisting of spiced minced meat stuffed in pita bread and baked.
Can I use other meats for Hawawshi?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with lamb or chicken, adjusting the seasonings to your taste.
Kitchen tools
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Baking sheet
Useful for roasting, baking, broiling, and sheet-pan prep.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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