Hawawshi Burger

Ingredients

In the original Egyptian Hawawshi, the meat mixture is traditionally stuffed into a pocket of dough and baked. In this Western American adaptation, we transform it into a burger by shaping the meat mixture into a patty and grilling or pan-frying it. The addition of classic burger elements such as a soft bun and toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles gives it a Western twist. We alse have the original recipe for Hawawshi, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 burger buns 4 burger buns
• Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles (for serving) Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles (for serving)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
3. 3.
   Preheat a grill or a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
4. 4.
   Toast the burger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster.
5. 5.
   Assemble the burgers by placing a cooked patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top with lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Cover with the top half of the bun.
6. 6.
   Serve the Hawawshi Burgers immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you prefer a juicier patty, opt for ground beef with a slightly higher fat content.
• Fresh herbs — Make sure to finely chop the parsley and cilantro to evenly distribute their flavors throughout the meat mixture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced jalapenos or a drizzle of tahini sauce for added flavor.
• If you prefer a lighter option, serve the Hawawshi Burger in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
• Don't overmix the meat mixture as it can result in a dense and tough patty.
• Let the cooked patties rest for a few minutes before assembling the burgers to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serving advice

Serve the Hawawshi Burgers with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They are perfect for casual gatherings or as a delicious weeknight dinner option.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can garnish the burgers with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of your favorite sauce. Serve them on a wooden board or a platter to create a rustic and inviting look.