time4cooking.com
Shawarma Israeli Dish
Shawarma Israeli Dish is a popular dish with roots in Middle Eastern cuisine, especially in Turkey and the Levant. In Israel, it has become a street food staple, beloved for its rich flavours and versatility. The dish typically consists of thinly sliced marinated meat, which can be lamb, chicken, turkey, or beef. The meat is stacked on a vertical rotisserie and slow-cooked, often for hours, allowing the juices to infuse the layers. As the outer layer becomes perfectly crispy, it is shaved off and served.
Served in Pitta Bread
In Israel, shawarma is usually served in a pita, laffa (a type of flatbread), or baguette. The bread is filled with a generous amount of shaved meat, and then a variety of toppings and sauces are added. These might include tahini, hummus, amba (a tangy mango pickle sauce), and a host of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and pickles. Some places also offer French fries either inside the sandwich or on the side, adding a delightful crunch.
What sets Israeli shawarma apart from other versions is the influence of various immigrant communities, particularly Jews from North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. This has resulted in a fusion of flavours and ingredients, creating a unique taste experience. The use of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika, along with the various condiments and salads, reflects the diverse culinary heritage of Israel.
Marinated and Spit-Roasted
Shawarma in Israel is not just a quick meal; it’s a culinary experience that reflects the country’s vibrant food culture. It’s commonly found in small eateries, street food stalls, and markets, where it is enjoyed by people of all backgrounds. The popularity of shawarma in Israel highlights the nation’s love for flavourful, portable, and satisfying food. Whether enjoyed on the go or as a sit-down meal, Israeli shawarma offers a delicious taste of the Middle East, making it a must-try dish for anyone visiting the country.
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.
