How to Make Alexandrian Hawawshi: A Traditional Egyptian Meat Pie

Alexandrian Hawawshi is a beloved Egyptian street food that features seasoned ground meat stuffed inside a special dough. This savory pastry is similar to Levantine fatayer but uses a unique homemade dough rather than bread. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make this delicious Egyptian specialty step by step.

Needed Ingredients

17 items

For the dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

10 steps

Prepare the dough by mixing flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl

Gradually add warm water and oil, kneading until smooth and elastic

Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size

Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing all ingredients in a bowl

Divide dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a circle

Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle

Fold dough over filling and seal edges well

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat

Cook hawawshi in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side

Drain on paper towels and serve hot