Egyptian Shawarma is a beloved street food in Egypt known for its tender, marinated meat wrapped in warm pita bread. This flavorful dish features thinly sliced beef, chicken, or sometimes lamb, cooked to perfection and served with fresh vegetables and a variety of sauces. Egyptian Shawarma offers a satisfying and convenient meal, combining rich, aromatic spices with crisp, refreshing ingredients.
Shawarma, a popular Middle Eastern dish, has roots that trace back to the Ottoman Empire. The term "shawarma" comes from the Turkish word "çevirme," meaning "turning," which describes the traditional method of cooking the meat on a vertical rotisserie. In Egypt, shawarma has become a staple street food, celebrated for its vibrant flavors and versatility. The dish has gained global popularity, captivating taste buds with its unique blend of spices and the irresistible combination of tender meat and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 500g thinly sliced beef, chicken, or lamb
- 4-6 pita breads
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup tahini sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- Pickled vegetables (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, mix yogurt, tahini sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Marinate the Meat:
- Add the sliced meat to the marinade, ensuring it is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Cook the Meat:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated meat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
4. Warm the Pita Bread:
- While the meat cooks, warm the pita bread in the oven or on a griddle.
5. Assemble the Shawarma:
- Place a warm pita on a plate. Add cooked meat, sliced onion, tomato, cucumber, and pickled vegetables if desired. Drizzle with additional tahini sauce or your favorite sauce.
6. Wrap and Serve:
- Fold the sides of the pita over the filling and roll tightly. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes:
- You can use beef, chicken, or lamb for this recipe.
- Adjust seasoning to taste by varying spices and herbs.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like lettuce, bell peppers, or avocado.
- Use either store-bought or homemade pita bread.
Enjoy your homemade Egyptian Shawarma, a delicious taste of Egypt that’s perfect for any meal!
Nutrition Value:
1. 500g Thinly Sliced Beef, Chicken, or Lamb
- Calories: Beef (250-300), Chicken (150-200), Lamb (250-300) per 100g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: Beef (26g), Chicken (31g), Lamb (25g) per 100g
- Fat: Beef (20g), Chicken (3-7g), Lamb (20g) per 100g
- Sodium: 55-75mg per 100g
- Cholesterol: Beef (70mg), Chicken (85mg), Lamb (70mg) per 100g
- Vitamins: B vitamins (especially B12), Vitamin A in beef and lamb
- Minerals: Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth. Rich in iron and zinc, which support immune function and overall health.
2. 4-6 Pita Breads
- Calories: 150-170 per pita
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g per pita
- Protein: 5-6g per pita
- Fat: 1-2g per pita
- Sodium: 300-400mg per pita
- Cholesterol: 0mg per pita
- Vitamins: B vitamins (especially niacin and thiamine)
- Minerals: Iron, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: A source of carbohydrates for energy, and contains some protein and fiber. The B vitamins support energy metabolism, while iron aids in oxygen transport.
3. 1/2 Cup Plain Yogurt
- Calories: 80-100
- Carbohydrates: 6-8g
- Protein: 5-6g
- Fat: 3-4g
- Sodium: 50-70mg
- Cholesterol: 15-20mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin B12, Riboflavin
- Minerals: Calcium, Phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides calcium for bone health, and protein for muscle maintenance. The probiotics in yogurt can aid digestion.
4. 1/4 Cup Tahini Sauce
- Calories: 180-200
- Carbohydrates: 6-8g
- Protein: 6-7g
- Fat: 16-18g
- Sodium: 60-80mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin E, B vitamins
- Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in healthy fats and minerals like calcium and magnesium, which support bone health. Provides protein and essential fatty acids.
5. 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
- Calories: 15-20
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0-5mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C
- Minerals: Potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. Adds a tangy flavor without adding significant calories or fat.
6. 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- Calories: 8-10
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0.4g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6
- Minerals: Manganese, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains compounds that may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Provides a boost to immune health and adds flavor without extra calories.
7. 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 0-1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin E
- Minerals: Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds a rich flavor and color to dishes. High in antioxidants, including vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function.
8. 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.4g
- Fat: 0.4g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin E
- Minerals: Iron, Magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides a distinctive flavor while adding minerals like iron and magnesium, which support overall health and metabolism.
9. 1/2 Teaspoon Coriander
- Calories: 5
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin K
- Minerals: Iron, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds a mild, citrusy flavor while providing antioxidants and vitamins that support overall health and digestion.
10. Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Calories: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Negligible
- Protein: Negligible
- Fat: Negligible
- Sodium: Varies with amount used
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Varies
- Minerals: Salt adds sodium; pepper has trace minerals
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor; salt is essential for electrolyte balance, while pepper may aid digestion and provide antioxidants.
11. 1 Onion, Sliced
- Calories: 40
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6
- Minerals: Potassium, Manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and crunch, provides vitamin C for immune support and potassium for heart health.
12. 1 Tomato, Sliced
- Calories: 22
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin A
- Minerals: Potassium, Folate
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamins C and A, which support skin and immune health. Provides antioxidants that help protect cells.
13. 1 Cucumber, Sliced
- Calories: 16
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 0.7g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin K, Vitamin C
- Minerals: Potassium, Magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Hydrates and provides essential vitamins and minerals. Low in calories, making it a healthy addition to the dish.
14. Pickled Vegetables (Optional)
- Calories: Varies (typically 10-20 per serving)
- Carbohydrates: 2-4g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: Varies (high due to pickling)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Varies
- Minerals: Varies
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and texture. Pickled vegetables can offer probiotics if fermented, supporting gut health.
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