This Egyptian Hawawshi (Arayes) comes together in about 30 minutes and is made on the grill for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! The beauty of this dish is its versatility; you can switch up the fillings to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to utilize any leftover veggies or meats you have on hand. Trust me; it’s perfect for those busy nights when you just want something comforting yet satisfying!
Ingredient Breakdown
To make this amazing Hawawshi (Arayes), you will need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 fat)
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, minced
- 1/2 bunch flat-leaf parsley, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5–6 small pita breads (pocket style)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp baharat spice mix OR 1 tsp each of allspice, cumin, and coriander
- Thai or serrano chili pepper, minced, to taste (optional)
Pro Tip
You can always switch any of these ingredients based on what you have. This dish is perfect for using up meats or veggies that are about to go bad!
Let’s Get Cooking!
You’re going to love how easy this process is. Let’s get into it!
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, and your spice mix. If you’re adding chili, toss that in too. Use your hands and mix it around until everything is well combined. It’s okay to get a little messy! (About 5 minutes)
Stuff the Pitas: Slice the pita breads in half to create pockets. Gently open each one and stuff them generously with the spiced beef mixture, think of it as crafting little flavor packets! Ensure you press the filling evenly inside so that it cooks perfectly. (About 10 minutes)
Grill Time: Preheat your skillet or grill over medium heat. Cook each stuffed pita for about 4–5 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula until the bread is golden and crispy and the meat is cooked through. You want that nice crunch on the outside! (Total cook time: 10 minutes)
Cool & Serve: Once done, remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. This will help keep the insides nice and juicy. Serve with fresh veggies, tahini sauce, or a simple salad for a complete meal. (Cooling time: 5 minutes)
And there you have it, my version of Hawawshi that’s sure to impress!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I’m looking for something that screams comfort food without taking up too much time. It’s super adaptable, and I’m a real sucker for meals that can “clean out the fridge.” The best part is my kids absolutely adore these stuffed pitas, and they don’t even realize they’re munching on something healthy! I’ve made it countless times, and every single time, it ends up being a family favorite. What’s not to love about that?
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Middle Eastern Kebabs, my Shawarma Chicken And Rice, or my Creamy Palestinian Zucchini Dip!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Quick & Easy
This incredible dish comes together in under 30 minutes! Who doesn’t love dinner being ready in a jiffy?
Customizable
You can play around with filling ingredients to cater to your family’s preferences or dietary restrictions. Got leftover veggies? Toss them in! I often include a handful of spinach or even some grated carrots if I have them lying around.
Comfort Food
This is truly comfort food at its finest! The crispy, toasted bread paired with the flavorful, savory meat is like a warm hug in every bite.
Budget-Friendly
Perfect for families! You’re using everyday ingredients that are generally quite affordable, making this recipe easy on both the wallet and the tummy.
Meal Prep Friendly
You can prepare the filling ahead of time, refrigerate it, and assemble it whenever you’re ready to cook. Perfect for your busy weeknights!
Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
Hawawshi (Arayes) is fantastic on its own but also pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh tabbouleh or fattoush salad
- Extra tahini or tzatziki sauce
- Pickled vegetables
- A light, crunchy slaw for a refreshing contrast
Storage
These delightful stuffed pitas keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they are stored in an airtight container to retain freshness.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat your Hawawshi in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. You can also reheat them on a skillet for about 5 minutes per side for added crispiness!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze the cooked Hawawshi. Just let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for about 1-2 months. To reheat, follow the instructions above but add a few extra minutes to account for the frozen state.
This dish is bursting with flavor and filled with family-friendly comfort, making it a staple in my kitchen. Seriously, once you try it, you’re going to keep coming back for more!
Closing Thoughts
Food, to me, is all about connection. Whether it’s sharing a meal with your kids or enjoying a quiet dinner with a loved one, it brings us together. And honestly, these quick and easy Hawawshi (Arayes) are THAT dish for many of us. You’ll want to keep this as part of your regular meal rotation. So what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients ready and whip up something delicious! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
Happy cooking!
Print
Egyptian Hawawshi (Arayes)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A delicious and versatile Egyptian dish that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 fat)
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, minced
- 1/2 bunch flat-leaf parsley, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5–6 small pita breads (pocket style)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp baharat spice mix or 1 tsp each of allspice, cumin, and coriander
- Thai or serrano chili pepper, minced, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, minced onion, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, and your spice mix. If you’re adding chili, toss that in too. Mix until well combined.
- Slice the pita breads in half to create pockets. Stuff them generously with the spiced beef mixture.
- Preheat your skillet or grill over medium heat. Cook each stuffed pita for about 4–5 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula.
- Once done, remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. Serve with fresh veggies, tahini sauce, or a salad.
Notes
You can customize the filling based on what you have on hand. Perfect for cleaning out the fridge!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Egyptian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pita
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
