Hawawshi is a quintessential Egyptian street food, known for its rich flavors and satisfying texture. This popular dish consists of pita bread stuffed with a spiced mixture of minced meat and vegetables, then baked or grilled to crispy perfection. Traditionally, it is enjoyed as a hearty snack or a quick meal, making it a staple in Egyptian households and food stalls alike.
The origins of Hawawshi trace back to Cairo, where it was first introduced by a butcher named Ahmed al-Hawawsh in the early 1970s. He created the dish as a way to repurpose leftover meat, combining it with spices and stuffing it into bread. The dish quickly gained popularity, and soon after, it spread throughout Egypt, becoming a beloved comfort food. The dish's versatility allows for variations in the filling, catering to different tastes and preferences. Today, Hawawshi is enjoyed not only in Egypt but also in other parts of the Middle East and North Africa.
Ingredients:
1. 6 pieces of pita bread
2. 500g minced beef or lamb
3. 1 onion, finely chopped
4. 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
5. 2 green peppers, finely chopped
6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
7. 1 teaspoon cumin powder
8. 1 teaspoon coriander powder
9. 1 teaspoon paprika
10. Salt and black pepper to taste
11. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, chopped onion, tomatoes, green peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Cut the pita bread in half to create pockets. Stuff each pocket with a generous amount of the meat mixture, pressing the edges together to seal the filling inside.
4. Lightly brush the top of each stuffed pita with vegetable oil.
5. Place the stuffed pitas on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy and the filling is fully cooked.
6. Serve hot, paired with your favorite salad or a dipping sauce.
Notes:
- Customize the filling to your liking by adding additional vegetables or experimenting with different spices.
- For a leaner option, substitute the beef or lamb with minced chicken or turkey.
- For an extra layer of flavor, grill the Hawawshi on a barbecue to achieve a smoky taste.
Nutrition Value:
1. 6 pieces of pita bread
- Calories: Approximately 990 calories
- Carbohydrates: 170g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: B-vitamins (B1, B3, B6)
- Minerals: Iron, magnesium
- Nutritional benefit: Provides a significant source of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy. The bread also offers dietary fiber and some essential vitamins and minerals.
2. 500g minced beef or lamb
- Calories: Approximately 1250 calories (beef), 1450 calories (lamb)
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 100g
- Fat: 100g (beef), 120g (lamb)
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 350mg (beef), 400mg (lamb)
- Vitamins: B-vitamins (B12, B6)
- Minerals: Iron, zinc
- Nutritional benefit: High in protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth. It also provides iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, and zinc, which supports the immune system.
3. 1 onion, finely chopped
- Calories: Approximately 44 calories
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6
- Minerals: Potassium, manganese
- Nutritional benefit: Onions are low in calories but rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function, and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties.
4. 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- Calories: Approximately 44 calories
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, A, K
- Minerals: Potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, which are important for eye health and immune function. They also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease.
5. 2 green peppers, finely chopped
- Calories: Approximately 48 calories
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 6mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, A, K
- Minerals: Potassium, folate
- Nutritional benefit: Green peppers are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and vitamin A, which supports vision. They also provide fiber and antioxidants.
6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Calories: Approximately 8 calories
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6
- Minerals: Manganese, selenium
- Nutritional benefit: Garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It also contains compounds that have been shown to lower cholesterol levels.
7. 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- Calories: Approximately 8 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.4g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, E
- Minerals: Iron, calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Cumin is rich in antioxidants and provides a good amount of iron, which is essential for oxygen transport. It also aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
8. 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Calories: Approximately 5 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, A
- Minerals: Calcium, iron
- Nutritional benefit: Coriander powder contains antioxidants and has been linked to digestive health. It also has antimicrobial properties and can help lower blood sugar levels.
9. 1 teaspoon paprika
- Calories: Approximately 6 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, E
- Minerals: Iron, magnesium
- Nutritional benefit: Paprika is rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can improve blood circulation.
10. Salt and black pepper to taste
- Calories: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: Varies based on amount
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None significant
- Minerals: None significant
- Nutritional benefit: While salt and pepper do not add significant nutritional value, they enhance the flavor of the dish. Excessive salt should be avoided as it can lead to high blood pressure.
11. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Calories: Approximately 240 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 28g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin E
- Minerals: None significant
- Nutritional benefit: Vegetable oil provides essential fatty acids and vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. It also serves as a source of energy and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
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