Egyptian Hawawshi is a beloved street food classic—crispy pita bread stuffed with spiced ground beef, onions, and peppers, then baked or pan-seared until golden and juicy. It’s Egypt’s answer to a meat-filled sandwich, bursting with bold Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. Whether enjoyed hot off the grill or oven, Hawawshi is the ultimate comfort food: crunchy on the outside, savory and aromatic on the inside. It’s often served with pickled vegetables, tahini, or a side of yogurt for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
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, but adds richness)
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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)
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.
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Mix in the tomato paste and optional butter, working the ingredients together until perfectly combined.
2. Stuff the Pita Bread
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Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
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Slice each pita bread in half to form pockets.
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Gently fill each pita half with the meat mixture, distributing it evenly without overstuffing.
3. Cook the Hawawshi
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Lightly coat the outside of each stuffed pita with butter or oil.
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Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden.
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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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Serve sliced while hot, with a side of tahini sauce, yogurt dip, or tangy pickled vegetables.
Additional Tips
✔ Juicier Hawawshi: Use a little ghee or butter in the meat mixture.
✔ Spicier Version: Add chili flakes or hot sauce.
✔ Extra Crispy: Bake on high heat for the last few minutes or broil for a golden crust.
✔ Alternative Cooking: You can also grill Hawawshi for a smoky flavor.
Q&A About This Recipe
Q: What is Egyptian Hawawshi?
A: Hawawshi is a popular Egyptian street food made by stuffing pita bread with spiced ground meat (usually beef or lamb), onions, peppers, and herbs, then baking or pan-frying it until crispy and golden.
Q: What does Hawawshi taste like?
A: It’s savory, juicy, and full of bold, aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and black pepper—similar to a Middle Eastern-style meat pie with a crispy outer shell.
Q: Is Hawawshi spicy?
A: It can be! Traditional Hawawshi includes mild to medium heat, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding or omitting chili or hot peppers.
Q: Can I make Hawawshi vegetarian?
A: Yes! Substitute the meat filling with spiced lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground alternatives for a tasty vegetarian or vegan version.
Q: How is Hawawshi served?
A: It’s typically sliced into halves or quarters and served hot with sides like pickles, tahini sauce, yogurt, or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
Q: Can Hawawshi be made ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate or freeze it. Fully cooked Hawawshi also reheats well in the oven or air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Bold, Savory Flavors: Juicy spiced meat, fragrant herbs, and crisp bread come together in every bite—flavorful, satisfying, and unforgettable.
✅ A Perfect Balance of Textures: The pita becomes beautifully crisp and golden, while the well-seasoned filling remains succulent, delivering pure satisfaction with each bite.
✅ Quick & Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, Hawawshi is perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend treat.
✅ Customizable to Your Taste: Make it spicy, add cheese, or go vegetarian—Hawawshi is easy to adapt to different preferences.
✅ Perfect for Sharing: Serve it sliced for parties, family dinners, or picnics—it’s finger food that everyone loves.
✅ Authentically Egyptian: Experience the warmth of Egyptian cuisine and culture through this beloved street food staple.
Happy Cooking
Diana
