Shawarma at home

Recipe: Homemade Shawarma

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The history of shawarma is fascinating, spanning generations and cultures, being a versatile dish that has won the hearts of many. From juicy meats to combinations of fresh vegetables, each family has its own version, tailored to their tastes and traditions. Today, I will show you how to prepare a delicious shawarma in the comfort of your own home, using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow cooking techniques.

Ingredients:

- 4 flatbreads (tortilla or traditional flatbreads)
- 500 g chicken breast (or beef/lamb if you prefer)
- 4 medium potatoes (for fries)
- 100 g pickled cucumbers
- 1 large onion (sliced thinly)
- 200 g lettuce (fresh, washed, and dried)
- Seasonings for meat (paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, oregano)
- 4 tablespoons onion and garlic mayonnaise (a more flavorful option)
- 4 tablespoons spicy ketchup (for a flavor kick)
- Olive oil (for cooking)

Preparing homemade shawarma is an enjoyable activity that can be shared with family or friends. Here are the steps you need to follow to achieve a perfect result!

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by preparing all the ingredients. Wash and slice the vegetables: onion into thin rings, and lettuce into strips. The pickled cucumbers can be sliced thinly, and for the fries, peel and cut them into sticks. Then, boil them in salted water for 5-7 minutes to soften slightly before frying.

Step 2: Marinating the meat

To achieve juicy and flavorful meat, it is important to marinate it. In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and oregano. Let the meat marinate for 10-15 minutes. This will not only enhance the flavor but also help tenderize the meat.

Step 3: Cooking the meat

In a non-stick pan (preferably Tefal for even frying), add a little olive oil and heat it well. Add the marinated meat and fry it over medium to high heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden and fully cooked. Make sure not to overheat it, or it will become dry.

Step 4: Frying the potatoes

Meanwhile, in another pan, add the necessary oil for frying and wait for it to heat up well. Fry the potatoes until they are golden and crispy, then remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle a little salt on top for better flavor.

Step 5: Heating the flatbreads

To add extra flavor to the shawarma, it is recommended to heat the flatbreads or tortillas. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the flatbreads on a tray for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly crispy and warm. Alternatively, you can heat them in a pan for a lightly smoky flavor.

Step 6: Assembling the shawarma

Now that all the ingredients are ready, it’s time to assemble the shawarma. On each warm flatbread, add a generous layer of meat, then fried potatoes, onion, pickled cucumbers, and lettuce. On top, add onion and garlic mayonnaise and spicy ketchup to taste. It’s always good to adapt the ingredients to your preferences.

Step 7: Rolling the shawarma

To roll the shawarma, start from one edge and fold it, making sure to keep the ingredients well inside. Roll it tightly but without tearing the flatbread. You can use aluminum foil to keep the shawarma warm, especially if you want to serve it later.

Serving:

Homemade shawarma is ideally served with a fresh salad on the side or with extra fries. It is a perfect meal for an evening with friends or for a family dinner. It can also be accompanied by a glass of fresh lemonade or mint tea, which will add a refreshing note.

Useful tips:

- If you want to experiment, you can replace chicken with beef or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add different sauces, such as tzatziki or chili sauce, to give the shawarma a unique twist.
- You can prepare multiple portions of meat and freeze them, so you have shawarma ready for moments when you don’t have time to cook.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

A serving of homemade shawarma contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It provides a good source of protein from the meat, vitamins from fresh vegetables, and carbohydrates from the flatbread and potatoes. It is a satisfying meal that can be integrated into a balanced diet, especially if fresh and quality ingredients are used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can shawarma be prepared in advance?
Yes, shawarma can be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge to be consumed later. Make sure to wrap it well so it doesn’t dry out.

2. Can I use other vegetables?
Certainly! Add vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, or grated carrots for a more colorful and healthy shawarma.

3. What is the best flatbread for shawarma?
Tortilla is a popular choice due to its texture, but traditional flatbreads can add an authentic and delicious taste.

Now, get ready to enjoy a savory and flavorful dish that will surely delight your meal. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: flatbread tortilla, chicken breast, fried potatoes, pickled cucumbers, sliced onions, green salad (I got it from Mega Image), steak spices, mayonnaise with onion and garlic (I got it from Mega Image), spicy ketchup