Discover how to make authentic Shawarma at home with this easy recipe. Learn how to prepare thinly sliced lamb, chicken, or beef cooked on a vertical rotisserie, and served in pita bread with delicious toppings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend treat, this Shawarma recipe brings the taste of Middle Eastern street food right to your kitchen!

Ingredients:

- 500g lamb, chicken, or beef, thinly sliced

- 2 tbsp Shawarma spice mix (available at Middle Eastern markets or homemade)

- 1/4 cup plain yogurt

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp lemon juice

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 4 pita breads

- Fresh vegetables (tomato, cucumber, lettuce)

- Tahini sauce or garlic sauce (optional)

Instructions:

Marinate the Meat:

  - In a bowl, combine the Shawarma spice mix, yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

  - Add the thinly sliced meat to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Cook the Meat:

  - If using a vertical rotisserie, thread the marinated meat onto the skewers and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions until well-browned and cooked through.

  - If using a grill or stovetop, preheat the grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meat in batches, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Prepare the Pita Bread:

  - Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet over medium heat or in the oven wrapped in foil for a few minutes.

Assemble the Shawarma:

  - Slice the cooked meat into bite-sized pieces.

  - Place a portion of meat in the center of each pita bread.

  - Add fresh vegetables and a drizzle of tahini or garlic sauce if desired.

Serve:

  - Roll up the pita bread to enclose the filling and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Shawarma with your favorite sides or dips.

Nutritional Values

For the Meat Marinade:

Lamb, Chicken, or Beef (500g)

- Calories: 250

- Protein: 26g

- Fat: 20g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

- Excellent source of high-quality protein.

- Rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Shawarma Spice Mix (2 tbsp)

- Calories: 200

- Protein: 6g

- Fat: 8g

- Carbohydrates: 27g

Benefits:

- Adds unique flavor and contains various spices that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Plain Yogurt (1/4 cup)

- Calories: 61

- Protein: 3.5g

- Fat: 3.3g

- Carbohydrates: 4.7g

Benefits:

- Adds moisture and tenderness to the meat.

- Provides probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.

Olive Oil (2 tbsp)

- Calories: 884

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 100g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

- Adds flavor and healthy monounsaturated fats.

- Contains antioxidants that support heart health.

Garlic (2 cloves)

- Calories: 149

- Protein: 6.4g

- Fat: 0.5g

- Carbohydrates: 33g

Benefits:

- Adds robust flavor and has potential health benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lemon Juice (1 tbsp)

- Calories: 22

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 7g

Benefits:

- Adds acidity to balance flavors and provides vitamin C.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

- Calories: 0

- Sodium: 38,000mg

Benefits:

- Enhances flavor; use in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.

For the Pita and Toppings:

Pita Breads (4 pieces, depending on size)

- Calories: 250

- Protein: 7g

- Fat: 1g

- Carbohydrates: 50g

Benefits:

- Provides a carbohydrate base for the meal and is a good source of fiber if made with whole grains.

Fresh Vegetables (tomato, cucumber, lettuce)

- Tomato: 18 calories, 0.9g protein, 0.2g fat, 3.9g carbs

- Cucumber: 16 calories, 0.7g protein, 0.1g fat, 3.6g carbs

- Lettuce: 15 calories, 1.4g protein, 0.2g fat, 2.9g carbs

Benefits:

- Adds freshness, crunch, and vitamins.

- Low in calories and rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Tahini Sauce or Garlic Sauce (optional)

- Calories: 595

- Protein: 17g

- Fat: 54g

- Carbohydrates: 21g

Benefits:

- Adds creaminess and flavor.

- Tahini is rich in healthy fats and calcium.

Nutritional Values (per 100g of Garlic Sauce):

- Calories: 150

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 15g

- Carbohydrates: 4g

Benefits:

- Adds flavor and may contain beneficial ingredients like garlic.

Your Shawarma recipe is a flavorful and nutritious dish. The meat provides high-quality protein, while the yogurt and olive oil enhance flavor and tenderness. Fresh vegetables add crunch and essential nutrients, and pita bread offers a carbohydrate base. Optional sauces like tahini or garlic sauce can add extra flavor and richness.