Entree: Egypt – Egyptian Street Food – هواوشي ➤ Hawawshi (Egyptian spiced minced meat stuffed into flatbread and baked until crisp)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 18 min

Total 35 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or lamb)
- 4 large round flatbreads (aish baladi or pita), about 6–7 in (15–18 cm) each
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 small ripe tomato, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground coriander
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) red chili flakes or paprika
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, plus extra for brushing

Instructions

1. In a large bowl combine the ground beef, chopped onion, parsley, green chilies, tomato, beaten egg, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
2. Cut each flatbread in half to make pockets or open them gently to create a pocket. Divide the meat mixture evenly and stuff into each bread pocket, pressing the filling flat and sealing edges as needed.
3. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the stuffed breads on a baking sheet, brush both sides lightly with olive oil, and bake for 12–18 minutes until the bread is crisp and the meat is cooked through. Alternatively, cook in a preheated skillet or griddle over medium heat, pressing occasionally, about 4–6 minutes per side.
4. Remove from heat, let rest 1–2 minutes, then cut in half and serve hot with tahini, pickles, or a fresh salad.