Arayes (Hawawshi)

Name: Arayes (Hawawshi) - Spiced Beef Pita Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 14 servings
Cuisine: Egyptian
Ingredients: 1 large onion (finely diced.); 2 garlic cloves (minced.); 1 bell pepper (chopped.); 1/2 cup parsley (roughly chopped. Note1); 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste.); 1 teaspoon garlic powder.; 1 teaspoon coriander.; 3/4 teaspoon allspice.; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.; 1/2 teaspoon paprika.; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom.; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin.; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat.); 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.; 2 pounds ground beef (Note2); 1/4 cup olive oil.; 6-7 pita bread loaves.

Arayes (hawawshi) is an Egyptian sandwich of seasoned ground beef mixed with onions, garlic, and warm spices, then stuffed and pan-fried inside pita bread until golden and crispy. The result is a savory, handheld meal with tender meat and a satisfying crust.

🌍Egyptian 🌍Lebanese 🌍Mediterranean 🌍Middle East 🏷️Arayes recipe 🏷️Hawawshi recipe

Total

45 min

Servings

14

Difficulty

Hard

Est. Cost

$32–$53

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Amiraspantry

Ingredients

1 large onion (finely diced.)
2 garlic cloves (minced.)
1 bell pepper (chopped.)
1/2 cup parsley (roughly chopped. Note1)
2 teaspoons salt (or to taste.)
1 teaspoon garlic powder.
1 teaspoon coriander.
3/4 teaspoon allspice.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
1/2 teaspoon paprika.
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom.
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat.)optional
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
2 pounds ground beef (Note2)
1/4 cup olive oil.
6-7 pita bread loaves.

18 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 400F.
2
Place a rack on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or you can use a grilling pan if you have it.
3
In a deep bowl combine the first onion, garlic, bell pepper and parsley if using.
4
Add all the spices and mix well to distribute the spice. Check seasonings and adjust accordingly.
5
Add the ground beef and mix well.
6
Warm your pitas in the microwave each for 8 seconds so they will be easier to open.
7
Cut each pita in half and open to make pockets.
8
Stuff each pocket from 1/4 to 1/3 cup according to your liking. Brush with oil on both sides.
9
Arrange Arayes on a your baking sheet and bake in the middle of your oven for almost 13-15 minutes turning them once in between so the bread crisps up on both sides.
10
Serve garnished with more parsley.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Dice the onion, garlic, and bell pepper very finely so they distribute evenly through the beef and cook through during the brief frying window.
Don't overwork the meat mixture; toss gently with spices just until combined to keep the filling tender rather than dense.
Use a sharp knife or your fingers to carefully separate the two pita layers without tearing, creating a pocket that holds the filling securely.
Fry over medium to medium-high heat and watch for a golden-brown crust (2–3 minutes per side); too low and the filling stays raw, too high and the pita burns.

Substitutions

Bell pepper → diced tomato or red pepper flakes (for heat without bulk)
Fresh parsley → fresh mint or cilantro (traditional in some regions)
Coriander → cumin (similar warm note, slightly earthier)
Pita bread → Lebanese flatbread or naan (adjust frying time slightly)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked arayes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side to restore crispness, or wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.