The beautiful Middle Eastern cuisine encompasses a huge spectrum of diverse yet similar delicacies.
Depending on the region, there exists many different ways of preparing a dish owning the same title.
The traditional shawarma that most people are familiar with is usually prepared on a large rotating grill. The meat is then cut into thin slices and served in a wrap with fresh salad and tahini sauce. However, each household has their own version and variations of shawarma.
I have my preferences, too. I prefer baking the red meat shawarma in the oven and turn on the grill function in the end which gives it a very delicious flavour and a nice crispy texture. But for the chicken variant, I am absolutely satisfied with my deep skillet. It turns out to be as great and tender as the one served at our local Lebanese and Syrian snack bar.
But that´s not it. You can use this chicken meat as filling for your wrap, enjoy it on its own with a nice refreshing salad or try serving on bed of raisin rice like I usually do. It is an easy dish to bring together, but tastes amazingly delicious. Together with a refreshing yoghurt tahini sauce and salad, its a party on a platter!
What To Make?
There are lots of ways you can play around with your delicious Shawarma dish, feel free to use your imagination and creativity:
- Chicken shawarma: The star of the show is the chicken. Cut into thin strips and marinate in flavorful blend of spices mixed with yoghurt and citrus.
- Rice: is the main base of this dish. You can use white or brown rice. My first choice is the exceptionally fragrant Basmati (Read here, why). A sweet addition of raisins or sultanas goes really well with its delicate taste and fluffy texture.
- Tahini Yoghurt : is not a must but highly recommended. For a fancy variant, try my famous Mast o Khiyar.
- Salad: to add a little refreshing touch.
Tabbouleh or Horiatiki are my first picks when I am in the mood of elaborate cooking, otherwise chopped lettuce leaves or iceberg completely serve the purpose. Also, diced fresh tomato and cucumber make a delicious fresh topping all on their own. - Pickled veggies are also delicious with this dish.
Craving More Middle Eastern Dishes? Try These Delicious Recipes From Chef on Rhine:
A step-by-step video tutorial is available in my Insta highlights. Do have a look before you start making the this dish! Come back to rate the recipe and if convenient, do send me a photo of your remake. I love receiving your feedback!
Made the recipe as soon as it was uploaded and with all the ingredients at hand found it super easy, quick, and highly delectable. Now a definite entree for my lunch and dinner parties for it was as much of a visual treat as super it was in taste💓
Just tried it… it is Super easy and very amazing taste wise ❤️ Though i skipped the main ingredient of raisins cuz of my kids, but it still turned out great… i am sure with raisins it will be a level up… Thank you for sharing amazing recipes ❤️