Egyptian Hawawshi is one of the most famous traditional dishes that combines simplicity with a distinctive flavor. It is a delicious and nutritious meal that suits all family members. The preparation of Hawawshi involves stuffing Egyptian bread with a mixture of minced meat and aromatic spices, then grilling it until it becomes crispy and delicious. This dish is rich in proteins that enhance muscle building, vitamins such as B12 and iron that are essential for blood health, in addition to fiber from parsley that promotes digestion. Hawawshi is served as a complete meal that adds an irresistible taste to the table!

Ingredients:

1. 500g minced meat with some fat
2. 1 large onion, chopped
3. 2 bell peppers
4. 1 hot pepper (red or green)
5. Salt
6. Black pepper
7. Meat spices
8. Paprika
9. Dried chili (optional)
10. Chopped parsley (as desired)
11. Egyptian bread
12. Ghee or oil (as desired)

Method:

1. In a large bowl, combine the minced meat and chopped onion, and mix them well.
2. Add the chopped bell pepper and hot pepper to the mixture of meat and onion.
3. Add salt, black pepper, meat spices, paprika, and dried chili (if desired) to the mixture.
4. Stir all the ingredients well until they are completely combined.
5. Take the Egyptian bread and make a small opening at the edges.
6. Stuff the bread with the minced meat mixture and spread it evenly inside the loaf.
7. In a large pan, add a little oil or ghee, as preferred.
8. Place the Hawawshi loaf in the pan and press it slightly to remove any excess fat, until the side touching the pan turns golden and crispy.
9. Flip the loaf to the other side and cook until both sides are browned.
10. Serve the Hawawshi hot with tahini salad and green salad.

Enjoy! Relish a delicious and satisfying meal.

Note: This recipe is suitable for those who love spicy and flavorful foods but is not recommended for people with digestive issues or sensitivity to spicy ingredients and high fats.

Ideas for Serving:

• Serve the hawawshi with a variety of salads like green salad or tahini salad.

• It can also be served with pickled cucumber or tomatoes to add a refreshing flavor that enhances its taste.

Suitable Sauces or Salads:

• Hawawshi can be served with sauces like tahini sauce, yogurt sauce, or garlic sauce.

• Simple green salads like fattoush or coleslaw are great additions.

Health Benefits of Ingredients:

• Minced meat: A rich source of protein, which helps build muscles, Vitamin B12 essential for strengthening nerves and producing red blood cells, and iron that protects against anemia.
• Fat: Adds energy to the body, but should be used cautiously to maintain heart health.
• Onion: Contains antioxidants that enhance immunity and help improve digestive health.
• Bell pepper: Rich in Vitamin C, which promotes skin and immune system health, along with antioxidants.
• Hot pepper: Contains capsaicin, which stimulates blood circulation and improves metabolism.
• Parsley: A good source of Vitamin K, beneficial for bone health, and Vitamin C, which boosts immunity.
• Egyptian bread: Provides energy and fiber that aids digestion, especially if made from whole grains.
• Spices (meat spices, black pepper, paprika, dried chili): Aid digestion and contain natural anti-inflammatory properties.

• Ghee or oil: A source of healthy fats if plant-based oils like olive oil are used, which supports heart health.

  Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is the origin of hawawshi?
  Hawawshi is an authentic Egyptian dish, considered one of the popular foods spread across most of Egypt. It is believed that this dish originated in Cairo and is associated with simple folk cooking using minced meat and Egyptian flatbread.

• What is the difference between traditional hawawshi and Alexandrian hawawshi?
  Traditional hawawshi is made using Egyptian flatbread and has a more classic taste. In contrast, Alexandrian hawawshi is made with additional spices like cumin and includes ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and peppers.

• Can hawawshi be made without ghee?
  Yes, hawawshi can be made without ghee. You can replace it with olive oil or use an oven-cooking method to reduce the fat content.

• Can hawawshi be made in the oven instead of the frying pan?
  Yes, hawawshi can be made in the oven instead of the frying pan. It should be placed in a preheated oven at medium temperature until it browns on both sides and becomes crispy.

• Can chicken be used instead of beef?
  Yes, beef can be replaced with minced chicken, and the hawawshi will still be delicious. You can use lean minced chicken for a lighter taste.

• Can hawawshi be made without hot pepper?
  Yes, hawawshi can be made without hot pepper if you prefer to avoid the spicy flavor or if you're serving it to children.

• What are the best spices for hawawshi?
  The best spices for hawawshi include meat spices like cumin, dried coriander, paprika, black pepper, and dry chili. These spices can be adjusted according to personal taste.

• How should hawawshi be stored?
  Hawawshi can be stored in the refrigerator for two or three days. It should be wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or placed in an airtight container. It can be reheated in the oven or on the grill.

• How long is hawawshi good after preparation?
  Hawawshi stays good for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. It should be consumed before this period to maintain its taste and quality.

• Is hawawshi suitable for children? And if not, how can I make a lighter version for them?
  Hawawshi usually contains spicy seasonings, making it unsuitable for children. However, you can make a lighter version by using lean chicken, reducing the amount of hot pepper and spices, and serving it with a light sauce like yogurt sauce.

• What if someone is vegetarian? What’s the alternative?
  To make a vegetarian version of hawawshi, you can use minced plant-based meat or chopped mushrooms as a substitute for meat. You can also use a mix of legumes like lentils or chopped beans to add protein.

• How do I make it crispy on the outside and soft on the inside?
  To ensure the hawawshi is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, make sure to preheat the pan well before placing it in.
  You can also cover the hawawshi with aluminum foil at the beginning of cooking, then remove it at the end to achieve a golden and crispy color.

• How do I reduce the fat if I’m on a diet?
  Use lean meat like chicken or lean minced meat.
  Replace ghee with olive oil or use less oil during cooking.
  You can also prepare hawawshi in the oven instead of frying it to reduce fat.

• What is the best type of meat to use?
  The best type of meat for preparing hawawshi is lean minced beef.
  Lamb or chicken can also be used as an alternative, depending on preference.

• Nutritional Values: Approximate nutritional values per serving (one medium-sized Hawawshi loaf, approximately 200-250 grams)

  1. Ground Meat (250 grams with fat)
     • Calories: 540 kcal
     • Protein: 26 grams
     • Fat: 45 grams
     • Carbohydrates: 0 grams
  2. Onion (1 large onion, about 150 grams)
     • Calories: 60 kcal
     • Protein: 1.5 grams
     • Fat: 0.2 grams
     • Carbohydrates: 14 grams
  3. Bell Pepper (about 150 grams)
     • Calories: 45 kcal
     • Protein: 1.5 grams
     • Fat: 0.5 grams
     • Carbohydrates: 9 grams
  4. Hot Pepper (about 10 grams)
     • Calories: 5 kcal
     • Protein: 0.2 grams
     • Fat: 0.05 grams
     • Carbohydrates: 1 gram
  5. Egyptian Bread (about 100 grams)
     • Calories: 260 kcal
     • Protein: 9 grams
     • Fat: 1 gram
     • Carbohydrates: 52 grams
  6. Ghee or Oil (1 tablespoon)
     • Calories: 120 kcal
     • Protein: 0 grams
     • Fat: 14 grams
     • Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  Total approximate values per Hawawshi loaf:

  • Calories: 1030 kcal
  • Protein: 38.2 grams
  • Fat: 60.75 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 76 grams

  Please note these values are approximate and can vary depending on the preparation method and exact ingredients used. Calories and fats can be reduced by using lean meat and less ghee or oil .