Hawawshi (Egyptian Stuffed Meat Bread)

Ingredients

• •4 whole-grain baladi flatbreads (or whole-wheat sandwich rolls)
• •500 g minced beef (a little fat helps keep it tender)
• •1 large onion, pureed in a blender and squeezed dry
• •3 garlic cloves, crushed to a paste
• •2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, pureed, and squeezed dry
• •1 green bell pepper, pureed (optional)
• •1 tbsp ghee (for the filling + to brush the bread)
• •1 tsp salt
• •1 tsp cumin
• •1 tsp ground cardamom

Steps

1. 1Puree the onion in a blender and squeeze it firmly to remove excess liquid — this is critical so the filling doesn't turn watery. Puree the tomato after peeling and seeding it, then squeeze it dry the same way.
2. 2In a bowl, combine the minced beef with the squeezed onion, garlic paste, squeezed tomato, pureed bell pepper (if using), salt, cumin, and cardamom. Knead by hand for 5 minutes until smooth and cohesive.
3. 3Slice each loaf open like a pocket and lightly brush the inside with ghee. Spread the filling inside in a medium layer (about 1.5 cm thick), then press the edges firmly to seal so the bread won't open in the oven.
4. 4Brush the outside of each hawawshi with ghee and place on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 220°C oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It's ready when both sides are browned and crisp on the outside and cooked through inside.

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