Cookbook:Hawawshi (Egyptian Meat Pies)

Hawawshi is a popular Egyptian street food consisting of flavorful meat fillings encased in a crispy pastry. It is a delicious and convenient dish that is often enjoyed as a quick snack or as part of a meal. Hawawshi is known for its aromatic spices and rich flavors, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Ingredients

 * 2 tablespoons olive oil
 * 2 medium onions, finely chopped
 * 2 cloves garlic, minced
 * 2 bell peppers, finely chopped
 * 500 grams ground beef or lamb
 * 2 teaspoons ground cumin
 * 2 teaspoons ground paprika
 * 1 teaspoon ground coriander
 * 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
 * Salt to taste
 * Black pepper to taste
 * 4–6 pieces of soft flatbread or pita bread

Equipment

 * Skillet or frying pan
 * Wooden spoon or spatula
 * Knife for chopping and mincing
 * Cutting board
 * Oven or grill

Procedure

 * 1) In a skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
 * 2) Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
 * 3) Add the finely chopped bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
 * 4) Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.
 * 5) Season the meat mixture with ground cumin, ground paprika, ground coriander, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine the spices and ensure they are evenly distributed.
 * 6) Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) or preheat a grill.
 * 7) Cut the flatbread or pita bread into square or triangular shapes, depending on your preference.
 * 8) Place a generous amount of the meat mixture onto one side of each bread piece, leaving some space around the edges.
 * 9) Fold the bread over the meat filling to create a pocket or triangle shape. Press the edges firmly to seal the filling inside.
 * 10) Place the filled bread pieces on a baking sheet or grill and bake or grill them until they are golden brown and crispy, usually about 10–15 minutes.
 * 11) Remove the hawawshi from the oven or grill and let them cool slightly before serving.