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Delicious homemade Egyptian Hawawshi served on a plate with fresh herbs.
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Hawawshi

A delightful Egyptian street food featuring spiced meat filling enveloped in crispy bread, perfect for gatherings and family meals.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course, Street Food
Cuisine: Egyptian, Mediterranean
Keyword: comfort food, Egyptian Street Food, Hawawshi, Stuffed Bread
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 400kcal

Ingredients

Meat Filling

  • 1000 grams 1 kg ground beef (preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio) Mix in 500g of ground lamb for richer flavor.
  • 2 large yellow onions, finely chopped or grated Adds sweetness.
  • 1 large green bell pepper, chopped Provides crunch.
  • 1-2 medium tomatoes, chopped (optional) Contributes juiciness.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic flavor.
  • handful fresh parsley, chopped For freshness.
  • handful cilantro (optional)
  • 1 green or red chili, chopped Adds heat.
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • pinch cinnamon For warmth.
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) For a fiery kick.
  • 2-3 tablespoons beef tallow or ghee For binding the filling and brushing the bread.

Bread

  • 8-10 pieces thick pita loaves or whole wheat Egyptian Baladi bread

Instructions

Preparation of Meat Filling

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat with the finely chopped onions, bell pepper, tomatoes, and garlic.
  • Add the chopped parsley, cilantro, and green or red chili if using.
  • Mix in the spices—salt, black pepper, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, cinnamon, and cloves—and the fat or oil.
  • Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture is aromatic.

Preparing the Baladi Bread

  • If using store-bought Baladi bread, ensure it's at room temperature and ready to be stuffed.
  • If making your own, prepare the dough beforehand and allow it to rise.

Stuffing the Bread

  • Take a piece of bread and gently open it like a pocket, being careful not to tear the sides.
  • Spoon in a generous amount of the meat mixture, carefully filling it without overstuffing.

Cooking the Hawawshi

  • Method 1: Baking in the Oven - Preheat your oven to 220°C (around 425°F). Place your stuffed Hawawshi on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with melted ghee or oil and bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Method 2: Cooking on the Stovetop - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the stuffed bread on each side for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until nicely browned and cooked through.
  • Method 3: Outdoor Grill - Preheat your grill and lightly oil the grates. Grill the Hawawshi for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the bread is crisp and the filling is thoroughly cooked.

Serving

  • Once cooked, let the Hawawshi rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to settle.
  • Cut each Hawawshi in half to reveal the savory meat filling tucked within the crispy bread.

Notes

Serve with fresh salad, pickles, or tahini sauce for dipping. Best enjoyed hot, and can be prepared ahead of time and reheated. Avoid overstuffing the bread to prevent ruptures during cooking.