Discover the mouthwatering flavors of authentic shawarma with this easy recipe. Marinated beef, lamb, or chicken is slow-cooked on a rotating spit and served in soft pita bread. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. Learn how to make this popular Middle Eastern dish at home with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb (450g) beef, lamb, or chicken, thinly sliced

- 4 tbsp olive oil

- 2 tbsp yogurt

- 1 large onion, grated

- 3 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp ground coriander

- 1 tsp ground paprika

- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric

- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom

- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

- 1/4 tsp ground cloves

- Juice of 1 lemon

- Salt, to taste

- Pita bread, for serving

- Optional: tahini sauce, pickles, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and onions for toppings

Instructions:

Marinate the Meat:

  - In a large bowl, mix olive oil, yogurt, grated onion, minced garlic, lemon juice, and all the spices. Add salt to taste.

  - Add the thinly sliced meat to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated.

  - Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.

Cook the Meat:

  - If you have a rotating spit, stack the marinated meat slices and cook them until golden and fully cooked. If you don't have a spit, you can use a grill or skillet. Cook the meat over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.

Assemble the Shawarma:

  - Warm the pita bread on a skillet or in the oven.

  - Place the cooked meat on the pita bread and add your favorite toppings, such as tahini sauce, pickles, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and onions.

Serve:

  - Roll up the pita bread around the fillings and enjoy your homemade shawarma!

Notes:

- You can substitute the pita bread with flatbread or wrap it in a tortilla for a different twist.

- Adjust the spices to your taste if you prefer a spicier or milder shawarma.

Nutritional Values:

Beef, Lamb, or Chicken (1 lb / 450g):

   - Beef: Approximately 270 calories, 23g protein, 20g fat per 3 oz cooked

   - Lamb: Approximately 290 calories, 25g protein, 21g fat per 3 oz cooked

   - Chicken: Approximately 140 calories, 26g protein, 3g fat per 3 oz cooked

Benefits:

   - High in protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.

   - Rich in essential nutrients like iron (important for oxygen transport) and zinc (supports immune function).

Olive Oil (4 tbsp):

  - Nutritional Value: Approximately 480 calories, 56g fat (mostly monounsaturated) per 4 tbsp

Benefits:

   - Contains healthy fats that are good for heart health.

   - Rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols that can reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels.

Yogurt (2 tbsp):

  - Nutritional Value: Approximately 30 calories, 2g protein, 1.5g fat per 2 tbsp

Benefits:

   - Provides calcium for bone health and probiotics for digestive health.

   - Helps tenderize the meat and add flavor.

Onion (1 large):

  - Nutritional Value: Approximately 60 calories, 1g protein, 0.2g fat per large onion

Benefits:

   - Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

   - Rich in vitamins C and B6, which support immune health and energy metabolism.

Garlic (3 cloves):

  - Nutritional Value: Approximately 15 calories, 0.6g protein, 0.1g fat per 3 cloves

Benefits:

   - Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

   - May help reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.

Cumin (1 tsp):

  - Nutritional Value: Approximately 8 calories, 0.4g protein, 0.4g fat per tsp

Benefits:

   - Rich in iron and antioxidants.

   - May aid digestion and boost metabolism.

Coriander (1 tsp):

  - Nutritional Value: Approximately 5 calories, 0.2g protein, 0.2g fat per tsp

Benefits:

   - Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

   - Supports digestive health and may help manage blood sugar levels.

Paprika (1 tsp):

  - Nutritional Value: Approximately 6 calories, 0.3g protein, 0.3g fat per tsp

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamins A, C, and E.

   - Contains antioxidants that support eye health and immune function.

Turmeric (1/2 tsp):

  - Nutritional Value: Approximately 4 calories, 0.1g protein, 0.1g fat per 1/2 tsp

Benefits:

   - Contains curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

   - May improve brain function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Cinnamon (1/2 tsp):

  - Nutritional Value: Approximately 3 calories, 0.1g protein, 0.1g fat per 1/2 tsp

Benefits:

   - Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

   - May help regulate blood sugar levels and improve heart health.

Cardamom (1/2 tsp):

  - Nutritional Value: Approximately 4 calories, 0.1g protein, 0.2g fat per 1/2 tsp

Benefits:

   - Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion.

   - Can help freshen breath and support oral health.

Black Pepper (1/2 tsp):

  - Nutritional Value: Approximately 3 calories, 0.1g protein, 0.1g fat per 1/2 tsp

Benefits:

   - Contains piperine, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

   - May enhance the absorption of nutrients from other foods.

Cloves (1/4 tsp):

  - Nutritional Value: Approximately 6 calories, 0.2g protein, 0.3g fat per 1/4 tsp

Benefits:

   - Rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

   - May aid digestion and support oral health.

Lemon Juice (Juice of 1 lemon):

  - Nutritional Value: Approximately 12 calories, 0.4g protein, 0.1g fat per lemon

Benefits:

   - High in vitamin C, which boosts immune health and enhances iron absorption.

   - Adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the dish.

Pita Bread (for serving):

  - Nutritional Value: Approximately 165 calories, 6g protein, 1g fat per pita

Benefits:

   - Provides carbohydrates for energy.

   - Can be a source of fiber if using whole grain versions.

This combination of ingredients not only makes shawarma a flavorful and satisfying meal but also offers a range of nutritional benefits.