Shawarma Wrap with Tahini Sauce

shawarma_wrap_with_tahini_sauce

Shawarma is a dish that originated in the Middle East and has quickly become a popular street food throughout the world. It’s a mouthwatering combination of juicy meats, a variety of fresh vegetables, and flavorful sauces, all wrapped up in a soft, warm pita bread. This particular recipe focuses on a Middle Eastern Shawarma Wrap with Tahini Sauce, which is sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious and aromatic flavors.

To start off, we’ll be using chicken as our base meat for the wrap. Chicken tastes great in a shawarma wrap because it has a milder flavor compared to other meats like lamb or beef, which allows the other ingredients in the wrap to shine through. For the chicken, we’ll be using boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are sliced thin, then marinated in a blend of spices and seasonings.

The key to getting that authentic shawarma flavor is in the marinade. You’ll need to combine an array of different spices, like paprika, cumin, turmeric, garlic, and onion powder. The spices will add depth and complexity to the chicken, while also giving it a beautiful golden color. We’ll also use yogurt in the marinade, which will help to tenderize the chicken and make it come out juicy and succulent.

After the chicken has marinated for a few hours, it’s ready to be cooked. We’re going to use a stove top grill pan for this recipe to achieve that delicious charred exterior that makes shawarma so special. You can cook the chicken on a traditional grill or in the oven as well, but the grill pan will give you the closest results to what you would find on a street side cart in the Middle East.

Now, it’s time to assemble the wrap. We’ll start with a soft pita bread that’s been warmed up in the oven or on the grill. The pita is then spread with a generous amount of homemade tahini sauce, which has a tangy and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the chicken. The tahini sauce is made by whisking together tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, and water until it’s smooth and creamy.

For the vegetables, we’ll be using a mix of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. You can add whatever vegetables you prefer, like shredded carrots, red onions, or even pickles. The vegetables add a nice crunch and freshness to the wrap, which balances out the rich and spicy chicken.

Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to wrap it all up. Lay the pita flat on a clean surface, then add the chicken and vegetables down the center of the pita. Be sure to leave some room at the top and bottom of the pita so you can fold it up easily. Fold the sides of the pita over the chicken and vegetables, then roll it up tightly.

In conclusion, this Middle Eastern Shawarma Wrap with Tahini Sauce is the perfect dish for any occasion. It’s flavorful, healthy, and easy to make, making it a great option for a quick lunch or for feeding a crowd. With its mix of spice, savory, and nutty flavors, this wrap is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 4-6 pita breads
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley

For Tahini Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup tahini paste
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together chicken strips, sliced onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken mixture and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

  3. In a separate bowl, prepare the tahini sauce by whisking together tahini paste, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and salt. The mixture should be smooth and slightly runny. Set aside.

  4. To assemble the shawarma wraps, warm the pita breads on a griddle or in the microwave. Layer shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, chopped parsley, and cooked chicken mixture onto each pita bread. Drizzle with tahini sauce.

  5. Roll up the pita breads tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Serve warm and enjoy!