Ingredients
For the Filling:
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- 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or lamb)
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- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
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- 1 small green bell pepper (finely chopped)
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- 1 small tomato (finely chopped)
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- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
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- 1 tbsp butter or ghee (optional, for extra flavor)
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- 1 tsp salt
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- ½ tsp black pepper
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- 1 tsp ground cumin
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- 1 tsp ground coriander
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- ½ tsp paprika
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- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
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- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
For the Bread:
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- 4 pita breads (store-bought or homemade)
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- 2 tbsp butter or oil (for brushing)
Execution
1
Prepare the Meat Filling:
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- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, bell pepper, tomato, garlic, and all the spices.
- Add the tomato paste and butter (if using) and mix everything well until fully combined.
2
Stuff the Pita Bread:
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- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cut each pita bread in half to create pockets.
- Stuff each pita half with the meat mixture, spreading it evenly inside. Be careful not to overfill.
3
Cook the Hawawshi:
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- Brush the outside of each stuffed pita with a little butter or oil.
- Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can cook them on a stovetop in a pan over medium heat, pressing them down slightly, until the bread is crispy and the meat is fully cooked.
4
Serve and Enjoy:
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- Slice and serve hot with tahini sauce, yogurt dip, or a side of pickled vegetables.
Additional tips
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- Juicier Hawawshi: Use a little ghee or butter in the meat mixture.
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- Spicier Version: Add chili flakes or hot sauce.
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- Extra Crispy: Bake on high heat for the last few minutes or broil for a golden crust.
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- Alternative Cooking: You can also grill Hawawshi for a smoky flavor.
