HOW TO PREPARE SHAWARMA.

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made by stacking seasoned meat on a vertical rotisserie, where it is slow-cooked as it turns. Once cooked, the meat is shaved off the stack with a large knife. The thin slices of meat are typically served wrapped in pita bread with various accompaniments like tahini, hummus, pickled vegetables, and more.

If you don’t have a vertical rotisserie at home (which most people don’t), you can still prepare a homemade version of shawarma in an oven or on a grill. Here’s a basic chicken shawarma recipe for home preparation:

Ingredients:
500g chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
3 tbsp plain yogurt
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground paprika
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tsp ground black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tbsp lemon juice
Pita bread (for serving)
Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, lettuce (optional for garnish)
Tahini, hummus, or garlic sauce (for serving)
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:

In a bowl, mix together yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, allspice, cayenne, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice to make the marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Ideally, marinate overnight for best flavor.
Cook the Chicken:

Oven Method:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Lay the marinated chicken thighs flat on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Roast for 30-40 minutes or until fully cooked, turning halfway.
Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Grill Method:

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
Let them rest for a few minutes and then slice into thin strips.
Assemble and Serve:

Warm the pita bread on the grill or in an oven.
Lay the sliced chicken on the pita bread.
Add your choice of veggies (like sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, lettuce).
Drizzle with tahini, hummus, or garlic sauce.
Roll up the pita around the fillings, and your homemade shawarma is ready to be enjoyed!
Note: While this recipe is for chicken, you can also prepare shawarma using beef, lamb, or a mix of meats. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness and type of meat.