Cuisine : Shawarma - Steps to prepare in detail

 

Shawarma, a Middle Eastern delight, features succulent slices of marinated chicken, seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon. The chicken, tenderized in a yogurt-based marinade, is either oven-baked or grilled to perfection. Served in warm pita bread, the flavorful layers of seasoned chicken are complemented by a rich garlic sauce, creating a harmonious fusion of tastes. Garnished with crisp vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce, Shawarma offers a satisfying and delicious experience, embodying the essence of street food joy in every savory bite.

Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare Chicken Shawarma at home:

### Ingredients:

#### For Marinade:

- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced

- 1 cup plain yogurt

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 teaspoons ground cumin

- 2 teaspoons ground paprika

- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

#### For Garlic Sauce:

- 1 cup mayonnaise

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

- Salt to taste

#### For Serving:

- Pita bread or flatbreads

- Sliced tomatoes

- Sliced cucumbers

- Chopped lettuce

- Red onion slices

- Pickles

### Instructions:

#### 1. Marinate the Chicken:

   - In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients.

   - Add sliced chicken, ensuring it's well-coated. Marinate for at least 1-2 hours or overnight for better flavor.

#### 2. Preheat Oven or Grill:

   - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill.

#### 3. Cook the Chicken:

   - If using the oven, spread the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.

   - If using a grill, thread the chicken slices onto skewers and grill until cooked through.

#### 4. Prepare Garlic Sauce:

   - Mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

#### 5. Assemble Shawarma:

   - Warm the pita bread or flatbreads.

   - Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce on each bread.

   - Add cooked chicken slices, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, red onion, and pickles.

#### 6. Serve:

   - Roll the bread around the filling to form a shawarma wrap.

   - Serve immediately and enjoy!

Adjust the seasoning and ingredients according to your preferences. Feel free to add more herbs or spices for extra flavor.