Egyptian Hawawshi
Hawawshi is a flavorful Egyptian street food consisting of spiced ground meat baked inside pita bread. This recipe uses a traditional blend of warming spices and fresh herbs for an aromatic and satisfying meal. It's a hearty and delicious way to enjoy a taste of Egyptian cuisine.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 45 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 641 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 500 gground beef, lean
- 1 pcsyellow onion, finely diced
- 0.5 pcsgreen bell pepper, finely diced
- 0.5 pcsred bell pepper, finely diced
- 0.25 cupfresh parsley, finely chopped
- 0.25 cupfresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 3 clovegarlic, minced
- 1 tspchili powder
- 1 tspcumin, ground
- 1 tspcoriander, ground
- 0.5 tsppaprika
- 0.25 tspcayenne pepper(optional)
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspblack pepper, ground
- 4 pcspita bread, large, round
- 2 tbspvegetable oil
Equipment
pastry brush · baking sheet · cutting board · knife · oven · large mixing bowl
The method
Step by step
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
About 5 min
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Ensure all vegetables are finely diced for even distribution within the meat.
- 3
Add the chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture.
About 1 min
- 4
Using your hands, thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined. Do not overmix, but ensure spices and vegetables are evenly distributed.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Mixing by hand helps to properly incorporate all ingredients and develop the flavor.
- 5
Carefully open each pita bread to create a pocket. If the pita doesn't open easily, you can gently slice along one edge to create an opening.
About 2 min
- 6
Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions. Take one portion and press it evenly into the inside of a pita bread pocket, spreading it to the edges.
About 4 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the meat layer is not too thick, about 1 cm (1/2 inch), to cook through properly.
- 7
Brush the outside of each filled pita bread with vegetable oil on both sides.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: This helps the pita become crispy and golden brown in the oven.
- 8
Place the hawawshi directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Using the oven rack allows for crispier pita, but a baking sheet prevents any drips.
- 9
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pita is golden brown and crispy, and the meat is cooked through.
About 25 min
Cook’s note: The internal temperature of the beef should reach 71°C (160°F).
- 10
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then slice each hawawshi into wedges and serve hot.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Hawawshi is excellent served with a side of tahini sauce or a simple green salad.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 640.8kcal
- Protein
- 27.7g
- Carbs
- 45.1g
- Fat
- 37.4g
- Fibre
- 4g
- Sugar
- 7.6g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover hawawshi in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
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