Hawawshi

Ingredients

What you’ll need

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 ratio for moisture) or a beef/lamb blend
• 1 medium yellow onion (very finely grated)
• 1 medium green bell pepper (finely diced)
• 1 small tomato (seeded and finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
• 1.5 tsp ground cumin
• 1.5 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground allspice (or Baharat)
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 4-6 small thick round pita pockets
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for brushing

Method

How it comes together

1. 1

   Prep Meat: In a large bowl, mix raw meat, grated onion, green pepper, tomato, garlic, and parsley.

2. 2

   Season: Knead in cumin, coriander, allspice, salt, pepper, and cayenne until the mixture forms a cohesive, smooth paste.

3. 3

   Preheat: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

4. 4

   Stuff: Slice open pita pockets halfway. Spread a thin, even layer of raw meat mixture inside (about 1/2-inch thick), reaching all edges.

5. 5

   Brush: Generously brush both outer sides of the stuffed pitas with olive oil.

6. 6

   Bake: Place pitas on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Flip and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until pitas are crispy and golden brown, and meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C. Cut in half and serve hot.