Tortilla wrap with salad

Tortilla and Salad Shawarma

This tortilla and salad shawarma recipe is not only a delicious choice but also a simple and quick option for a tasty meal. Shawarma has a fascinating history, appreciated worldwide for its versatility and rich flavors. Over time, it has evolved into various versions, but today I will show you how to prepare a shawarma stuffed with juicy chicken breast, served in warm tortillas alongside fresh salad and a savory tahini sauce.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For Shawarma:
- 500 g boneless chicken breast, cut into strips of 3-4 cm
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 tortilla wraps (made from white or whole wheat flour, as preferred)

For Salad:
- 3-4 fresh tomatoes, diced
- 3-4 fresh cucumbers, diced
- 3-4 pickles, diced (for a pleasant taste contrast)

For Tahini Sauce:
- 100 g tahini paste
- 100 ml cold water
- 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: a bit of chopped parsley for garnish

Detailed Instructions

1. Marinating the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken breast into strips of 3-4 cm. Place the strips in a bowl and add the olive oil, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, cardamom, salt, and pepper. Mix well, ensuring each piece is coated with spices. Ideally, let the meat marinate in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.

2. Preparing the Salad:
Wash and dice the vegetables: tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, and pickles into small cubes. Mix them in a bowl and let them drain in a colander for a few minutes. This will help remove excess water, thus preventing the tortillas from becoming soggy.

3. Preparing the Tahini Sauce:
In a bowl, mix the tahini paste with cold water, stirring well until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add the crushed garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more water to achieve a consistency similar to that of thin sour cream. This creamy sauce will add depth of flavor to your shawarma.

4. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat a wok pan over medium heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken strips, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken until golden and well-cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Add onion scales for an even more intense flavor. Cover the pan with a lid to retain heat and juiciness of the meat.

5. Heating the Tortillas:
Meanwhile, wrap the tortillas in a towel and place them in a dry pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes, or until warm. This step is essential to avoid tearing the tortillas when filling.

6. Assembling the Shawarma:
On each warm tortilla, spread a thin layer of hummus for added flavor. Add 2 heaping tablespoons of cooked chicken and top with the fresh salad. Once you have filled the tortilla, roll them tightly, leaving the bottom closed to prevent leaks.

7. Serving:
Serve the shawarma immediately, with the tahini sauce on the side, so everyone can add the sauce to their liking. You can also add a bit of chopped parsley for a more appealing look.

Practical Tips

- Marinating: Plan your chicken marination in advance for a more intense flavor. If you have time, letting it sit overnight in the fridge is ideal.
- Storing the Salad: If you prepare the salad a few hours before serving, make sure to let it sit in a colander to avoid sogginess in the tortillas.
- Variations: You can replace the chicken breast with beef or turkey, and for a vegetarian option, use tofu or roasted vegetables.
- Enhancements: Add avocado or olives for extra flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This shawarma is rich in protein due to the chicken breast, while also providing a good amount of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Olive oil brings healthy fats, and tahini sauce is an excellent source of calcium and fiber. Additionally, whole wheat tortillas can add extra fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use beef, turkey, or even vegetarian options like falafel or roasted vegetables.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or a spicy chili sauce to the tahini sauce.

3. How can I store the shawarma for the next day?
I recommend keeping the components separate (meat, salad, tortillas) and assembling them before serving to prevent sogginess.

Serving and Pairings

This shawarma pairs perfectly with a cool drink, such as mint tea or a natural fruit juice. Additionally, a side of fries or a summer salad can complete the meal.

Enjoy every bite of this delicious tortilla and salad shawarma. This is a recipe that will not only impress family and friends but will also bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For the shawarma, I used boneless chicken breast which I cut into strips. For the tortillas, we heat them for 2-3 minutes in a pan. For the salad: 3-4 tomatoes, 3-4 fresh cucumbers, 3-4 pickled cucumbers. For the tahini sauce: tahini paste, cold water, 2-3 cloves of garlic, lemon juice, and a little finely chopped parsley.