Description
Hawawshi is a classic Egyptian dish featuring spiced ground beef stuffed inside traditional wheat flatbread known as Aish Baladi. This hearty, flavorful meat-stuffed bread is baked until golden and juicy, making it a perfect savory meal served with tahini, salad, or pickles.
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (not lean)
- 1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 tomato, seeds removed and finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 jalapeño pepper (optional), stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (5 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch ground cinnamon
- Pinch freshly ground nutmeg
Bread and Finishing
- 6 Aish Baladi (Egyptian wheat flatbread)
- Ghee or melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato, green bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), chopped parsley, and all the spices including salt, allspice, paprika, coriander, black pepper, cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix just until ingredients are evenly blended without overworking the meat.
- Chill the Filling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to reach the desired temperature before baking.
- Stuff the Bread: Carefully make a small 2-inch slit on one side of each piece of Aish Baladi bread. Stuff about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the chilled meat mixture inside each bread pocket, pressing it flat and evenly distributing the filling. Alternatively, you can cut the bread in half and fill each piece separately with the meat mixture.
- Brush with Ghee: Lightly brush both sides of each stuffed bread with ghee or melted butter to help achieve a rich golden crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the stuffed breads on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the bread turns golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Slice the baked Hawawshi into halves or quarters. Serve hot with accompaniments such as tahini sauce, fresh salad, French fries, or pickled vegetables to enhance the experience.
Notes
- Use ground beef with some fat content (not too lean) for juicier filling.
- The jalapeño pepper is optional and can be omitted or adjusted for heat preference.
- Ensure the meat mixture is evenly distributed inside the bread for consistent cooking.
- Brushing with ghee or butter enhances browning and flavor but can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Serve immediately after baking for best texture and taste.
