Hey Lykkers! So tell me—have you ever craved something warm, stuffed, and full of flavor that makes your kitchen smell like a street food stall in Cairo?
Because same. That’s why we’re making Hawawshi, the ultimate Egyptian stuffed bread that’s quick, easy, and completely drool-worthy. Whether you're cooking for yourself, friends, or just trying to spice up your weeknight dinner, this one’s going to be a hit. Let’s roll.
Think of it like this: spicy, seasoned ground meat tucked inside warm pita bread, then grilled or baked until golden and crispy. It’s juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and the kind of thing you want to eat with your hands. Trust me, one bite and you’ll get why it’s such a big deal in Egyptian kitchens.
For the meat filling:
- 500g ground meat (or lamb, if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chili flakes or cayenne (if you like a kick)
- Fresh parsley (optional but adds a nice touch)
For the bread:
4 round pitas (you can use whole wheat for a lighter twist)
A little olive oil for brushing
1. Make the filling:
In a bowl, mix your ground meat with the chopped onion, pepper, garlic, and all your spices. Don’t be shy—get in there with your hands and blend everything together. The smell already? Amazing.
2. Stuff your pita:
Cut your pita in half or carefully open it up like a pocket. Spoon in the meat mixture and press it down a bit so it fills the space nicely.
3. Time to cook:
Brush the outside of the pita lightly with olive oil. You can either bake it at 200°C (390°F) for about 20–25 minutes (flipping halfway) or grill it in a pan on medium heat until both sides are crisp and golden.
Hawawshi is perfect just as it is, but you can level it up with a side of yogurt dip, some tahini sauce, or even a crunchy salad. It’s comfort food, but still feels kind of healthy-ish.
So there you go, Lykkers—your very own Hawawshi made right at home, no street cart needed. It’s cozy, flavorful, and just different enough to impress anyone you serve it to.
Let me know if you try it, and stay tuned for more feel-good recipes coming your way!