Indulge in the delectable world of Middle Eastern flavors with our enticing shawarma recipe. Bursting with tender, marinated slices of succulent meat, fragrant spices, and a symphony of fresh vegetables, this culinary delight promises to transport your taste buds on an exotic journey. Whether wrapped in a warm pita or served alongside creamy tahini, our shawarma is a tantalizing fusion of tradition and innovation that’s sure to satisfy cravings and leave a lasting impression.
How to make perfect shawarma at home
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from thinly sliced cuts of meat, typically lamb, chicken, beef, or a mixture of these, which are marinated with a blend of aromatic spices and seasonings. The marinated meat is then stacked on a vertical rotisserie and slow-cooked as it rotates. As the outer layer cooks, it's shaved off and served in various forms, often wrapped in a flatbread like pita or laffa, accompanied by a variety of accompaniments such as vegetables, tahini, hummus, and more. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that's enjoyed in many parts of the world.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or your preferred meat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional: Yogurt or buttermilk for added tenderness (marinade)
- For serving: Pita bread, tahini sauce, diced tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers
Instructions
- If using chicken thighs, cut them into thin strips.
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- If desired, you can add a bit of yogurt or buttermilk to the marinade for added tenderness. Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight.
- Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. You can also use a grill or an oven.
- While the chicken is cooking, warm the pita bread.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- To assemble the shawarma, place a generous amount of cooked chicken on a pita bread. Top with diced tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and any other desired toppings.
- Drizzle with tahini sauce or your favorite sauce.
- Roll up the pita bread and enjoy your homemade shawarma!Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or sauces. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
One important thing to note when making shawarma is the marination time. Allowing the meat to marinate for an extended period, preferably overnight, enhances the flavor and tenderness of the final dish. The combination of spices and acids in the marinade not only infuses the meat with delicious flavors but also helps to break down its fibers, resulting in a more succulent and enjoyable texture. So, be patient and plan ahead to achieve the best results when preparing shawarma.
Nutrition
Serving: 100g
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