Delicious Hawawshi Recipe to Satisfy Your Cravings

Hawawshi is a beloved Egyptian dish that combines the rich flavors of spiced meat with crispy, freshly baked bread. If you have ever tasted this savory treat, you know how satisfying it can be. If not, this recipe will guide you through making authentic hawawshi at home, perfect for a hearty meal or a flavorful snack.

Let’s explore how to prepare this delicious dish step by step, including tips for the best results and variations to suit your taste.

Freshly baked hawawshi with golden crust and spiced meat filling

What Is Hawawshi?

Hawawshi is essentially Egyptian stuffed bread filled with a mixture of minced meat, onions, spices, and herbs. The dough is usually a simple flatbread or pita, stuffed generously and then baked until the bread is crisp and the filling is cooked through. The result is a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and juicy, flavorful interior.

This dish is popular as street food in Egypt but also works wonderfully as a homemade meal. It’s easy to customize with different spices or add-ins like peppers or cheese.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make hawawshi, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the dough:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup warm water

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 packet (7g) dry yeast

• For the filling:

- 500g ground beef or lamb (choose lean meat for less grease)

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

- Salt to taste

- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee

Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together.

3. Knead the dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

   
   

Making the Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the filling:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sauté until soft and translucent.

3. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

4. Stir in the green bell pepper if using.

5. Add cumin, coriander, paprika, black pepper, chili flakes, and salt. Mix well.

6. Cook for another 5 minutes until the spices are well blended and the meat is fully cooked.

7. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Let the filling cool slightly.

   
   

Assembling the Hawawshi

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions (about 6-8 pieces).

3. Roll each piece into a flat circle about 1/4 inch thick.

4. Place a generous amount of filling on one half of the dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.

5. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.

6. Press the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a tighter seal.

7. Place the stuffed dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

8. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil for a golden crust.

   
   

Baking the Hawawshi

Bake the hawawshi in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and crisp. For an extra crispy finish, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Hawawshi is delicious on its own but pairs well with:

• Fresh salad (tomato, cucumber, and onion with lemon dressing)

• Pickled vegetables

• Tahini sauce or garlic yogurt dip

• Hot sauce for those who like extra heat

  
  

Tips for Perfect Hawawshi

• Use fresh yeast for better dough rise, but dry yeast works well too.

• Don’t overfill the dough to avoid tearing during baking.

• Let the filling cool before stuffing to prevent the dough from getting soggy.

• Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist.

• Try adding grated cheese inside for a richer flavor.

  
  

Variations to Try

• Chicken Hawawshi: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey.

• Vegetarian Hawawshi: Use a mix of finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, and cheese instead of meat.

• Spicy Hawawshi: Add more chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili peppers to the filling.

• Cheesy Hawawshi: Mix shredded mozzarella or feta cheese into the meat filling.

  
  

Hawawshi is a versatile dish that adapts well to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Why Make Hawawshi at Home?

Making hawawshi at home lets you control the ingredients, spice levels, and freshness. It’s a great way to enjoy a traditional Egyptian favorite without relying on street vendors or restaurants. Plus, the process is fun and rewarding, especially when you see the golden, crispy bread come out of your oven.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep. You can make a batch and freeze some for quick meals later.

Enjoy your homemade hawawshi with your favorite sides and dips. This recipe brings the authentic taste of Egypt right to your kitchen and satisfies cravings for something hearty and flavorful. Try it today and discover why hawawshi remains a favorite comfort food for many.