Shawarma, a popular street food originating from the Middle East, is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring thinly sliced meat (often chicken, lamb, or beef) marinated in a blend of spices and slowly roasted on a vertical spit. Served wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy sauce, shawarma is a delicious and satisfying meal. This recipe will guide you through creating your own homemade pita with shawarma, bringing the flavors of the Middle East into your kitchen.

Ingredients

For Shawarma Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or lamb/beef, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• Pita bread (store-bought or homemade)
• Thinly sliced tomatoes
• Thinly sliced cucumbers
• Thinly sliced red onions
• Chopped lettuce or shredded cabbage
• Tahini sauce or garlic yogurt sauce
• Pickles (optional)
  

Instructions

1. Marinate the Shawarma Meat

• In a bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, plain yogurt, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced meat and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

2. Cook the Shawarma

• Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated meat in batches until fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.

3. Prepare the Pita Bread

• If using store-bought pita bread, warm them in a toaster oven or microwave until soft and pliable. Alternatively, you can make homemade pita bread using your favorite recipe.

4. Assemble the Shawarma Pita

• Open a warm pita bread and spread a generous amount of tahini sauce or garlic yogurt sauce on one side.
• Layer the sliced shawarma meat on top of the sauce.
• Add thinly sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and chopped lettuce or shredded cabbage.
• Top with pickles, if desired.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Fold the pita over the filling and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade shawarma pita with a side of hummus, tabbouleh, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Success

• Marinating Time: Allow enough time for the meat to marinate to enhance the flavors.
• Slicing Meat: For the best texture, slice the cooked meat thinly against the grain.
• Customization: Feel free to customize your shawarma with additional toppings like pickled turnips, hot sauce, or fresh herbs.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with grilled or roasted vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of spices and chili flakes to suit your taste preferences.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pita bread or serve the shawarma meat and toppings over a bed of rice or salad greens.

Conclusion

Homemade pita with shawarma brings the authentic flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine to your table. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its delicious combination of tender meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauces. Try this recipe and savor the taste of homemade shawarma pita today!

Explore more Middle Eastern-inspired recipes by clicking HERE or HERE. Enjoy bringing the flavors of the Middle East into your own kitchen!