Egyptian
Hawawshi
Hawawshi is a popular Egyptian street food consisting of a pita bread stuffed with a spiced minced meat mixture, then baked or grilled until the bread is crispy and the meat is juicy.
Watch it madeThe Golden Balance · 1:05
Ingredients
- Minced Beef (with fat)500g
- Baladi Bread5 loaves
- Onion2 medium, minced
- Green Pepper1, chopped
- Chili Pepper (optional)1
- Allspice1 tsp
- Black Pepper1 tsp
- Oil or Butterfor brushing
Method
- In a bowl, mix the minced beef with finely chopped onions, peppers, and spices.
- Open the baladi bread loaves carefully to create a pocket.
- Stuff a generous layer of the meat mixture inside each loaf.
- Brush the outside of the bread with oil or melted butter.
- Bake in a hot oven or cook on a skillet until the meat is cooked and the bread is crispy.
Common questions
Can I substitute baladi bread if I can’t find it?
Yes. Use sturdy pita, Greek flatbread, or a soft pocketless flatbread that can hold filling without tearing. Choose bread with some chew; very thin wraps or tortillas usually split and turn soggy.
How long does hawawshi take to cook, and how do I know it’s done?
Usually 15–20 minutes in a hot oven, or about 6–10 minutes per side on a skillet over medium heat. It’s done when the bread is deeply crisp and the beef is fully cooked through.
What are the most common mistakes when making hawawshi?
Overfilling the bread, using very wet onion, and not sealing the pocket well are the biggest issues. These cause leaks and soggy bread. Also, too low heat won’t crisp the bread before the filling overcooks.
How should I store and reheat leftover hawawshi?
Cool completely, then wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or skillet to restore crispness; avoid the microwave if possible, since it softens the bread and makes it chewy.
What should I serve with hawawshi?
Serve it hot with pickles, tahini, yogurt, chopped salad, or tomato-cucumber salad. A squeeze of lemon and extra chili on the side work well too. It’s filling, so simple sides are usually best.