Veggie-Packed Hawawshi Recipe

Introduction

Hawawshi is a delicious Egyptian street food that features spiced meat stuffed inside pita bread and baked until crispy. This veggie-packed version adds vibrant bell peppers and fresh herbs, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons tahina (tahini)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4-6 large pita breads
• Olive oil for brushing

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, minced garlic, and parsley.
2. Step 2: Add the ground cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. Mix in the tomato paste, tahina, and olive oil until well combined.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Step 4: Cut each pita bread in half to create pockets, then stuff each pocket evenly with the meat mixture, pressing down gently.
5. Step 5: Place the stuffed pita breads on a baking sheet and brush the outside with olive oil.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pita is crispy and the filling is fully cooked, turning the breads halfway through baking for even cooking.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with yogurt, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
• Swap ground beef or lamb for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add finely chopped tomatoes or grated carrots to the filling for extra moisture and nutrition.
• Brush the pita with a bit of garlic butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.

Storage

Store leftover hawawshi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pita soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make hawawshi ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the pita breads in advance, then bake them just before serving for best freshness and texture.

Can I freeze hawawshi?

Hawawshi can be frozen before baking. Wrap the stuffed pita breads tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Veggie-Packed Hawawshi Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 65 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

A delicious and hearty Egyptian-inspired Veggie-Packed Hawawshi recipe featuring spiced ground beef or lamb mixed with colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs, all stuffed into pita bread pockets and baked to crispy perfection. This flavorful and satisfying dish is perfect for a comforting meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons tahina (tahini)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Additional Ingredients

• 4–6 large pita breads
• Olive oil, for brushing

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, minced garlic, and parsley to build the base of the filling.
2. Season the Mixture: Add ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all spices.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, tahina, and olive oil. Combine everything fully until the mixture is well incorporated and cohesive.
4. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C), allowing it to reach temperature while you prepare the pitas.
5. Prepare the Pita Bread: Cut each pita bread in half carefully to create pockets suitable for stuffing.
6. Stuff the Pitas: Fill each pita pocket with the prepared meat and vegetable mixture. Press down gently to spread the filling evenly inside each pocket.
7. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the stuffed pita breads on a baking sheet. Brush the outer surfaces of each pita with olive oil to encourage crispiness.
8. Bake the Hawawshi: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the pita is crispy on the outside and the filling is fully cooked. Flip the pitas halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and browning.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the hawawshi from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, complemented with yogurt, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• You can use either ground beef or lamb depending on preference.
• Chili flakes are optional depending on your preferred spice level.
• Ensure the filling mixture is well combined for even flavor distribution.
• Brushing the pita with olive oil helps achieve a crispy exterior.
• Serve hot for best taste and texture.
• This dish pairs well with side dips like yogurt or tahini sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Egyptian

Keywords: Hawawshi, Egyptian bread pockets, stuffed pita, ground beef recipe, baked pita, Middle Eastern cuisine, spiced meat filling, tahini, healthy pita meal