Name: Veggie-Packed Hawawshi: A Flavorful Middle Eastern Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: For the Filling:; 1 pound ground beef or lamb; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons tahini; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For Assembling:; 4-6 large pita breads; Olive oil for brushing

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Veggie-Packed Hawawshi is bursting with flavor from the blend of spices and the juicy, savory filling. The crunchy pita crust adds a satisfying texture, while the blend of onions, bell peppers, and parsley inside gives it a refreshing contrast. It’s a versatile dish that’s easy to make, and it can be served as a main meal or as part of a larger spread for gatherings. The best part? It’s a one-of-a-kind Middle Eastern treat that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

1 pound ground beef or lamb
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons olive oil

For Assembling:

4-6 large pita breads
Olive oil for brushing

(Tip: You can substitute lamb with ground turkey for a lighter option or use vegetarian ground meat alternatives for a plant-based version.)

Directions

Prepare the Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or lamb), chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, minced garlic, and parsley.
Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes.
Mix in the tomato paste, tahini, and olive oil, and stir thoroughly until everything is well combined.

Stuff the Pita Bread:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut each pita bread in half to create pockets.
Stuff each pita pocket with the prepared meat mixture, pressing it down to spread the filling evenly throughout the bread.

Bake the Hawawshi:

Place the stuffed pita breads on a baking sheet.
Brush the outside of each pita pocket with olive oil to help it crisp up during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy, and the filling is fully cooked. Make sure to turn the pitas halfway through baking for even cooking.

Serve:

Remove the hawawshi from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Serve hot with a side of yogurt, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Vegan Option: Use plant-based meat or crumbled tempeh instead of ground beef or lamb for a fully vegan version of this dish.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, add extra chili flakes or a spicy harissa paste to the filling.
Cheese Lover’s Twist: Add some crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella cheese to the filling for extra flavor and creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover hawawshi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to assemble the hawawshi, simply stuff the pita pockets and bake as instructed.

Can I freeze the stuffed pita breads?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed pita breads before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To bake from frozen, increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.

Can I use other vegetables in the filling?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. Just make sure to finely chop or sauté them to remove excess moisture.

How do I make the pita bread crispy without frying it?

Brushing the outside of the pita bread with olive oil and baking it in the oven ensures a crispy and golden exterior without the need for frying.

Conclusion

These Veggie-Packed Hawawshi are a delicious and easy-to-make Middle Eastern dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of spiced beef or lamb, fresh vegetables, and warm pita makes for a satisfying meal that’s as flavorful as it is comforting. Whether you’re enjoying them for a weeknight dinner or as part of a weekend spread, these hawawshi are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Serve them with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both wholesome and delicious!

Veggie-Packed Hawawshi: A Flavorful Middle Eastern Delight

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Veggie-Packed Hawawshi is a savory Middle Eastern dish featuring a spiced ground beef or lamb filling, combined with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, all stuffed into pita bread and baked until crispy. This easy-to-make dish is a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or lamb), chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, minced garlic, and parsley.
- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes.
- Mix in the tomato paste, tahini, and olive oil, and stir thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Stuff the Pita Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut each pita bread in half to create pockets.
- Stuff each pita pocket with the prepared meat mixture, pressing it down to spread the filling evenly throughout the bread.
Bake the Hawawshi:
- Place the stuffed pita breads on a baking sheet.
- Brush the outside of each pita pocket with olive oil to help it crisp up during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy, and the filling is fully cooked. Turn the pitas halfway through baking for even cooking.
Serve:
- Remove the hawawshi from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve hot with a side of yogurt, tahini sauce, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.