Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food featuring thinly sliced, grilled meat (typically chicken or lamb) wrapped in flatbread along with garlic sauce, pickles, and sometimes vegetables. Originating from the Levant region, it has ancient roots, evolving from the Turkish doner kebab. Today, it's enjoyed worldwide for its flavorful combination of spices and textures, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East.

Ingredients:

- 500g boneless chicken thighs or lamb, thinly sliced

- 4-6 pita bread or flatbreads

- 1 cup plain yogurt

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 2 teaspoons ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Pickles, sliced tomatoes, lettuce (optional, for serving)

- Olive oil (for grilling)

Method:

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

2. Add the thinly sliced chicken or lamb to the marinade, ensuring it's well coated. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge.

3. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle with olive oil.

4. Grill the marinated meat until cooked through and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.

5. Warm the pita bread or flatbreads in the oven or on the grill for a few seconds.

6. Assemble the shawarma by placing the grilled meat on the warmed bread, and top with pickles, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and any other desired toppings.

7. Roll up the shawarma tightly, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition Value:

1. Boneless Chicken Thighs or Lamb (500g):

  - Calories: Chicken thighs - approximately 900 calories; Lamb - approximately 1100 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Chicken thighs - approximately 100g; Lamb - approximately 80g

  - Fat: Chicken thighs - approximately 60g; Lamb - approximately 80g

  - Sodium: Chicken thighs - approximately 300mg; Lamb - approximately 100mg

  - Cholesterol: Chicken thighs - approximately 300mg; Lamb - approximately 280mg

  - Nutritional Benefits: Excellent source of protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. 

2. Pita Bread or Flatbreads (4-6 pieces):

  - Calories: Approximately 70-100 calories per piece

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g per piece

  - Protein: Approximately 2-5g per piece

  - Fat: Approximately 0.5-2g per piece

  - Sodium: Varies depending on brand and recipe

  - Cholesterol: Varies depending on recipe

  - Nutritional Benefits: Good source of carbohydrates for energy, some varieties may contain added fiber and nutrients if whole grain.

3. Plain Yogurt (1 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 120 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 12g

  - Protein: Approximately 8g

  - Fat: Approximately 5g

  - Sodium: Approximately 120mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 25mg

  - Nutritional Benefits: High in calcium, protein, and probiotics, beneficial for gut health.

4. Garlic (4 cloves, minced):

  - Calories: Approximately 18 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 4g

  - Protein: Approximately 1g

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Approximately 2mg

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Nutritional Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, helps boost immune system and cardiovascular health.

5. Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: Approximately 8 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 3g

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Approximately 1mg

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Nutritional Benefits: Good source of vitamin C, aids digestion and boosts immunity.

6. Ground Cumin (2 teaspoons):

  - Calories: Approximately 16 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g

  - Protein: Approximately 1g

  - Fat: Approximately 1g

  - Sodium: Approximately 4mg

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Nutritional Benefits: Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion and improve blood sugar control.

7. Paprika (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Approximately 6 calories

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.3g

  - Fat: Approximately 0.3g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1mg

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Nutritional Benefits: Contains vitamin A and antioxidants, may have anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Pickles, Sliced Tomatoes, Lettuce (Optional):

  - Calories: Varies depending on serving size

  - Carbohydrates: Varies depending on serving size

  - Protein: Varies depending on serving size

  - Fat: Varies depending on serving size

  - Sodium: Varies depending on type and preparation

  - Cholesterol: Varies depending on type and preparation

  - Nutritional Benefits: Provide additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals, particularly vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

9. Olive Oil (for Grilling):

  - Calories: Approximately 120 calories per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Approximately 14g

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Nutritional Benefits: Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.