HAWAWSHI

Hawawshi image

Provided by Francine Lizotte

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 21

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SPICE MIX
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp hot paprika
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
SANDWICH
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 c white onions, finely chopped
1 c red peppers, finely chopped
1 large jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
2 large cloves garlic, pressed
1 1/2 lb (750 g) lean ground beef
3 Tbsp tomato paste
ground himalayan sea salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste (i always use mixed peppercorns)
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
3 large pita bread (substitute baladi bread)
1 Tbsp clarified butter, or as needed

Steps:

1. SPICE MIX: To make the spice mix; in a small bowl, add cumin, coriander, allspice, hot paprika, cardamom, ground cloves and ground cinnamon; whisk well and set aside.
2. SANDWICH: Preheat oven (see footnote) to 400ºF/200ºC
3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, add oil and when it gets hot, add onions, red peppers and jalapeño peppers; sauté for 1 minute. Add pressed garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and break the meat down into small pieces. Add tomato paste, incorporate it into the mixture and cook the ingredients no longer than 2 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and transfer the meat mixture into a large bowl. Add the spice mix and season with ground sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as well as chopped parsley; stir everything together.
5. Scoop up the mixture and fill each pita pocket, leaving any liquid behind so the bread doesn't get soggy. Transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper before lightly brushing on some clarified butter on top.
6. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 14 minutes. Halfway through cooking, carefully flip them over, return them to the oven and bake for the remaining time. When it's done, serve them immediately with my Creamy Tahini Sauce.
7. FOOTNOTE: It can also be grilled on the barbecue at 400ºF
8. To view this recipe on YouTube, click on this link >>>> https://youtu.be/d7eXMK4ZPc0