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Shawarma: A Beloved Israeli Dish
Shawarma, a popular Israeli street food, originates from Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly Turkey and the Levant. In Israel, it has become a staple, cherished for its bold flavours and versatility. Cooks prepare shawarma by marinating thin slices of meat—typically lamb, chicken, turkey, or beef—then stacking them on a vertical rotisserie. The slow-cooking process, often lasting for hours, allows the juices to seep into the layers. As the outer layer crisps up, vendors shave off portions and serve them hot.
Served in Pita Bread
In Israel, shawarma usually comes wrapped in pita, laffa (a type of flatbread), or a baguette. Vendors pack the bread with a generous portion of meat and an assortment of toppings and sauces. Popular additions include tahini, hummus, amba (a tangy mango pickle sauce), and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and pickles. Many eateries also add French fries inside the sandwich or serve them on the side, bringing an extra crunch to the meal.
A Fusion of Flavours
Israeli shawarma stands out because of the influence of various immigrant communities, particularly Jews from North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. This fusion of cultures has introduced a rich blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika, along with unique condiments and salads. The result is a distinct and flavourful culinary experience.
A Culinary Experience
Shawarma in Israel goes beyond being a simple street food; it represents the country’s vibrant and diverse food culture. Small eateries, street food stalls, and markets across Israel serve this beloved dish, drawing people from all backgrounds. Whether eaten on the go or enjoyed as a sit-down meal, Israeli shawarma delivers an unforgettable taste of the Middle East. Anyone visiting the country should make it a priority to try this delicious and satisfying dish.
Israeli Shawarma Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Meat:
1 ½ pounds (700g) boneless chicken thighs (or lamb/beef)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground paprika
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon white vinegar
For Serving:
Pita bread, laffa, or baguettes
Fresh vegetables: sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and pickles
Sauces: tahini, hummus, and amba (mango pickle sauce)
Optional: French fries
Instructions:
Marinate the Meat:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, salt, lemon juice, and vinegar.
Add the chicken thighs (or chosen meat) to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.
Cook the Meat:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if roasting, or heat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat.
If using an oven, place the marinated meat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the meat is fully cooked and slightly crispy on the edges.
If grilling or pan-searing, cook the meat for 5-7 minutes on each side until done and slightly charred.
Slice the Meat:
Once cooked, let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. This mimics the traditional shawarma shaved off a rotisserie.
Assemble the Shawarma:
Warm your pita, laffa, or baguette.
Spread a layer of hummus or tahini inside the bread.
Add a generous portion of the sliced shawarma meat.
Top with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and pickles.
Drizzle with more tahini, and add amba sauce if desired.
Optionally, add some French fries inside the sandwich for extra texture.
Serve:
Wrap up the shawarma and serve immediately. Enjoy with extra sides of sauces and vegetables.
This homemade Israeli shawarma recipe brings the flavours of the Middle East right into your kitchen. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste, making it perfect for a flavourful meal.
