Middle Eastern cuisine is famous for its variegated and robust food. Heavily dominated by the use of different types of meat, Middle Eastern cuisine also showcases substantial influences from its nearby countries due to the trade that used to happen back in the day. One dish that is very popular in most Middle Eastern countries is shawarma. The concept of shawarma came to India through the Mughals and instantly became popular.
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It is different from other traditional meat dishes as the meat is not cooked in the form of small pieces or as a whole. Instead, it is finely chopped into extremely thin and minute pieces that are synthesised with spices and different types of ingredients. Just like many other Middle Eastern dishes, it is also slow-cooked. Here are some popular shawarma roll recipes you can try at home.
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* Chicken Shawarma
A classic and timeless chicken shawarma recipe is the best place to start. This roll is compact and very substantial in its flavours. The major source of flavours in this dish is derived from the revered marinade made from cardamom, vinegar, black pepper, nutmeg, ginger powder, and some gloves. The marinade of these spices is mixed with finely chopped chicken and then cooked on slow flame, so that the meat absorbs the flavour of all the spices. This spicy chicken mixture is placed inside a flatbread and packed properly before being eaten.
* Griller Chicken Shawarma
The next on the list is grilled chicken shawarma. A lot of people would think that the flavour of this dish is very similar to that of the regular chicken shawarma. However, not only is it different in flavours but also looks significantly different. It's marinated with some traditional spices like salt, black pepper, cardamom, red, chilli, turmeric, nutmeg, and others. However, all the spices are used in low to moderate quantities to ensure that it is not heavily spiced. Instead of cooking the pieces of meat on a pan, they're cooked on top of a grill so that they get the smoky flavours of the grill. The chicken is then stuffed inside a flatbread along with some fresh raita.
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* Lamb Shawarma
Lamb is the heart and the soul of Middle Eastern cuisine and a lot of famous dishes like lamb korma or made from the source of meat. To make this appetising dish, one has to take some fresh lamb and mince it carefully. Always remember that lamb takes a little longer as compared to chicken to absorb flavours. So it is always better to let it marinade overnight instead of giving it just a couple of hours. Use a lot of traditional spices and flavourful sauces to add to the marinade. The next day, cook the stuffing in a pan on low heat and then put it inside a flatbread to make delicious rolls.
* Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
Lebanese-style chicken shawarma takes quite a long time to prepare as there is a detailed process that one is required to follow. The shawarma is specifically made from the chicken breast that is immersed in a marinade made from yoghurt, lemon juice, different types of spices, and a little bit of butter. While cooking the marinated chicken, one has to add a lot of tomato paste, coriander leaves, chilli flakes, and a little bit of salt. The Lebanese chicken shawarma has to be stuffed inside a flatbread made from all-purpose flour and wheat flour along with fresh coriander leaves and some cilantro.
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* Tomato Infused Chicken Shawarma
A tomato-infused chicken shawarma is savoury and a little bit sour because of the presence of so many tomatoes. Along with tomatoes, one also has to add a lot of onions, peppers, and some yoghurt and tahini sauce for the best possible flavours. All of these elements are very well balanced on their own and when they come together, they form the perfect medley of flavours required to give a synchronised touch to the shawarma.
The chicken has to be slow-cooked on a pan and mixed with some salt, black pepper, red chilli, and cumin seed powder. After it has been cooked properly, put it inside a flatbread with some pasta sauce, basil leaves and a lot of fresh cucumbers and lettuce.