shawarma

Next Dish: Piragi

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish traditionally made from thinly sliced marinated meat, such as lamb, beef, chicken, or turkey. The meat is stacked in a cone-like shape and roasted on a slowly turning vertical rotisserie or spit. It is commonly served in a pita or flatbread with vegetables, pickles, and various sauces. The dish has gained worldwide popularity, with variations and adaptations in many different cultures.

Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 500g chicken breasts

  • 4 cloves of garlic

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1 teaspoon coriander

  • 1 teaspoon turmeric

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 4 pita breads

  • Fresh vegetables (lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, onions, etc.)

  • Tahini sauce or garlic yogurt sauce for serving


Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix together the cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

  2. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic to the spices and mix until it forms a paste.

  3. Cut the chicken into thin strips and add to the marinade. Make sure all the chicken is coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.

  4. Heat a frying pan or grill on medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.

  5. Warm the pita breads in the oven or on the stovetop.

  6. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Place the chicken on the pita bread and add your choice of fresh vegetables.

  7. Drizzle the tahini sauce or garlic yogurt sauce over the top and fold the pita bread over the fillings.

  8. Serve the shawarma immediately while it's still warm.