Shawarma wrap

shawarma_wrap

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish that is famous all around the world. Among all the variations of Shawarma being served in different parts of the world, Lebanese Shawarma is considered the most authentic and flavored one. Lebanese Shawarma is a popular street food in Lebanon that has made its way into homes around the world. Lebanese Shawarma is a delicious grilled meat sandwich commonly served in pita bread with a variety of toppings, including hummus, garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables. It is a perfect food for lunch or dinner that will satisfy your cravings.

The main ingredient of Lebanese Shawarma is the marinated meat. Traditional Lebanese Shawarma is made with lamb or chicken, but you can also use beef or a combination of different meats. The meat is marinated in a blend of spices including cumin, paprika, coriander, oregano, and other Arabic spices. The marinated meat is left to sit for a few hours or even overnight, so the flavors can fully seep into the meat.

The key to making a delicious Lebanese Shawarma is the way the meat is cooked. The meat is typically cooked on a rotating spit, a technique that allows it to cook evenly on all sides. This method ensures the meat is heated and cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful sandwich. A good shawarma sandwich should be packed with tender, juicy meat and have a crispy outer layer.

The beauty of Lebanese Shawarma is the versatility it offers when serving. It is usually served in a pita bread, but sometimes, it is wrapped in a tortilla or naan bread. The sandwich is then filled with toppings such as sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, which provide a refreshing touch to the flavor. Other toppings can be added such as pickles, hummus, garlic sauce, and tahini sauce. The combination of the meat with the toppings creates a harmony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

Lebanese Shawarma is a delicious and nutritious meal that can nourish you on many levels. The marinated meat provides the necessary proteins, while the fresh vegetables and herbs help to obtain the necessary vitamins and minerals. The toppings and sauces make the dish more appealing and flavorful. Lebanese Shawarma is a meal that you can enjoy alone or with friends and family on any occasion.

In conclusion, Lebanese Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is loved and enjoyed all around the world. Its unique blend of spices, tender meat, and fresh ingredients make it a perfect meal for any occasion. With the right ingredients and cooking technique, you can easily make a homemade Lebanese Shawarma that is just as delicious as the ones that you can find on the streets of Beirut. Whether it is served in a tortilla, naan bread, or traditional pita bread, one thing is for sure; it will be a meal that will satisfy you on many levels.

Ingredients:

For the Shawarma:

  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. turmeric
  • 1 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper

For the Garlic Sauce:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. sea salt

For Assembly:

  • 6-8 pieces Lebanese pita bread
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup pickles, sliced

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

  2. Add the sliced chicken and toss to coat in the marinade. Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.

  3. While the chicken marinates, make the garlic sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Set aside.

  4. Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly charred.

  5. To assemble the shawarma wraps, place a piece of Lebanese pita bread on a flat surface. Add a generous spoonful of the garlic sauce to the center. Top with some of the sliced chicken, red onion, tomato, parsley, mint, and pickles.

  6. Roll up the wrap tightly, tucking in the sides to prevent the filling from spilling out. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

  7. Serve the shawarma wraps warm, accompanied by any additional garlic sauce or hot sauce, if desired. Enjoy!