Shawarma is a beloved Middle Eastern dish that has gained popularity all over the world. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. While there are many variations of shawarma, one of the most popular and authentic versions is the Israeli shawarma. This version is known for its unique blend of spices that give it a distinct and irresistible flavor. In this article, we will share with you the secrets of making the perfect Israeli shawarma spice blend so that you can enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home.
Main Ingredients: Chickens, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Shawarma Seasoning
If you're a fan of the classic Middle Eastern dish, then you'll love this slow cooker shawarma recipe. It's packed with bold flavors and tender, juicy chicken that falls apart with every bite. And the best part? You can let your slow cooker do all the work, making this the perfect meal for busy weeknights.
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Beef Shawarma Wrap
Main Ingredients: Salt, All Spice, Ground Cloves, Cumin, Cardamom
This beef shawarma wrap is a delicious and satisfying alternative to the classic chicken shawarma. Marinated strips of beef are grilled to perfection and wrapped in a warm pita with crisp veggies and a tangy yogurt sauce. It's a flavor explosion in every bite.
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Chicken Shawarma Spice Blend
Main Ingredients: Cumin Seed, Ground Coriander Seed, Turmeric, Black
The key to a good shawarma is the spice blend, and this chicken shawarma spice blend is no exception. It's a perfect mix of earthy cumin, smoky paprika, and zesty turmeric, giving your chicken a deep and complex flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
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Shawarma Tofu
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Non Dairy Milk, Shawarma Seasoning, Cornstarch
For all the vegetarians out there, don't worry, we didn't forget about you. This shawarma tofu recipe is just as satisfying as the meat versions. Tofu is marinated in a spicy shawarma sauce and then baked to perfection, creating a crispy and flavorful addition to any meal.
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Chicken Breast in Shawarma Cream Sauce
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Breasts, Unsalted Butter, Black
This chicken breast in shawarma cream sauce is a decadent and creamy twist on the classic shawarma. Tender chicken breasts are pan-fried and then simmered in a rich and flavorful cream sauce, infused with all the bold shawarma spices. Serve over rice or with warm pita bread for a hearty and delicious meal.
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Shawarma
Main Ingredients: Top Sirloin Steaks, Orange Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar
No list of shawarma recipes is complete without the classic shawarma itself. This recipe takes you through all the steps to create the perfect shawarma, from marinating the meat to grilling to assembling the wrap. It's a must-try for anyone looking to master the art of shawarma making.
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Creamy Dreamy Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chicken Meat, Broccoli, Cream Cheese, Melted Butter
This creamy dreamy chicken-broccoli casserole is a comforting and delicious way to enjoy shawarma. Chunks of tender chicken and fresh broccoli are smothered in a creamy shawarma sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. It's the perfect meal for a cozy night in.
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Homemade Shawarma Spice Blend
Main Ingredients: Ground Cumin, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Sumac, Ground
If you want to take your shawarma game to the next level, then try making your own homemade shawarma spice blend. This recipe combines all the essential shawarma spices, such as cumin, paprika, and coriander, for a well-balanced and flavorful mix that you can use on any protein.
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DIY Shawarma Spice Blend
Main Ingredients: Ground Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ground Coriander, Ground
If you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen, then this DIY shawarma spice blend is a must-try. It takes the traditional shawarma spices and adds a few unexpected ingredients, like cinnamon and cardamom, for a unique and delicious twist on the classic blend.
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Spiced Shawarma Chicken Wraps
Main Ingredients: Shawarma Spice Mix, Plain Yogurt, Fresh Lemon Juice
These spiced shawarma chicken wraps are a quick and easy way to get your shawarma fix. Marinated chicken is seared to perfection and then wrapped in a warm pita with crisp veggies and a zesty tahini sauce. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal for any time of the day.
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Beef Shawarma Bowls With Persian Rice
Main Ingredients: Shawarma Seasoning, Olive Oil, Vinegar, Skirt Steak
If you're looking for a shawarma recipe that's a little more elegant, then these beef shawarma bowls with Persian rice are the perfect choice. Marinated strips of beef are grilled and served over a bed of fragrant and delicious Persian rice, topped with crispy veggies and a tangy yogurt sauce.
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Roasted Shawarma Cauliflower Steaks with Harissa Tahini
Main Ingredients: Steaks, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Honey, Shawarma Spice
This roasted shawarma cauliflower steaks with harissa tahini recipe is a creative and delicious take on shawarma. Thick slices of cauliflower are coated in a shawarma spice blend and roasted until tender and golden. They're then topped with a spicy and tangy harissa tahini sauce for a truly unforgettable meal.
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Chicken Shawarma Wrap
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Sweet Red Pepper, Shawarma Seasoning
This chicken shawarma wrap recipe is a classic and simple way to enjoy shawarma. Marinated chicken is grilled and wrapped in a warm pita with crisp veggies and a zesty yogurt sauce. It's a light and delicious meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Meat Shawarma (Shawarma Lahmeh)
Main Ingredients: Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar, Canola Oil, Shawarma
This meat shawarma, also known as shawarma lahmeh, is a traditional and authentic version of the dish. Thinly sliced marinated beef is grilled to perfection and then served with fluffy pita bread and crisp veggies. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that's perfect for sharing with friends and family.
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Shawarma Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Lamb, Shawarma Seasoning, Garlic Cloves, Kosher
These shawarma meatballs are a fun and delicious twist on the classic dish. Ground beef is mixed with shawarma spices and baked to create juicy and flavorful meatballs. Serve them on their own as an appetizer or add them to a wrap for a hearty and delicious meal.
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Fattoush Salad With Shawarma-Spiced Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Kosher Salt, Pepper, Shawarma Spice
This fattoush salad with shawarma-spiced chicken is a refreshing and flavorful way to enjoy shawarma. Marinated chicken is grilled and served over a bed of crisp greens, fresh veggies, and crunchy pita chips. It's topped with a zesty and tangy dressing for a light and delicious meal.
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Vegan Seitan Shawarma
Main Ingredients: Seitan, Vegetable Broth, Stock Cube, Olive Oil, Soy
This vegan seitan shawarma recipe is a delicious and meaty alternative to the classic dish. Marinated seitan is baked to perfection and then wrapped in a warm pita with crisp veggies and a zesty tahini sauce. It's a satisfying and flavorful meal that everyone can enjoy.
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Chicken Shawarma Salad
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Olive Oil, Lemon
This chicken shawarma salad is a light and healthy way to enjoy all the flavors of shawarma. Marinated chicken is grilled and served over a bed of crisp greens, fresh veggies, and creamy hummus. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that's perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
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Shawarma Chickpea Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
Main Ingredients: Oil, Chickpeas, Shawarma Spice Blend, Salt, Sweet
This shawarma chickpea sweet potato buddha bowl is a colorful and nutritious way to enjoy shawarma. Marinated chickpeas and roasted sweet potatoes are served over a bed of fluffy quinoa and crisp veggies, all topped with a tangy tahini dressing. It's a balanced and delicious meal that's perfect for any time of the day.
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Fresh Dill, Eggplant, Lemon, Mini Cucumber
This eggplant shawarma with tzatziki, hummus, and baked sweet potatoes is a vegetarian and flavorful twist on shawarma. Thick slices of marinated eggplant are baked until tender and golden and then served with creamy tzatziki, zesty hummus, and crispy sweet potatoes. It's a satisfying and delicious meal that's perfect for any day of the week.
What Makes Israeli Shawarma Spice Unique?
The Blend of Spices
Israeli shawarma is known for its bold and complex flavor, and the secret behind this lies in the spice blend. The main spices used in this blend are cumin, paprika, turmeric, and allspice. These spices are combined in specific proportions to create the perfect balance of flavors. The cumin adds a warm and earthy flavor, while the paprika gives a smoky and slightly sweet taste. The turmeric adds a vibrant color and a subtle hint of bitterness, and the allspice brings a warm and spicy kick to the blend.
The Use of Fresh Ingredients
Another key factor that makes Israeli shawarma spice unique is the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients. The spices used in this blend are freshly ground, which brings out their full flavor and aroma. This is why it is always recommended to grind your own spices rather than using pre-ground ones. In addition, the use of fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and mint in the marinade also adds a fresh and vibrant element to the dish.
The Technique of Marinating
In order to achieve the perfect flavor, the marinating technique plays a crucial role in the making of Israeli shawarma. The meat is marinated in a combination of spices, herbs, and lemon juice for at least 12 hours, allowing the flavors to fully infuse into the meat. This not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat, making it juicy and succulent.
How to Make Israeli Shawarma Spice Blend
Now that you know what makes Israeli shawarma spice unique, let's dive into the recipe for making this flavorful blend. Here's what you will need:
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
To make the spice blend, simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and store it in an airtight container. This blend can be used to marinate chicken, beef, or lamb for shawarma, or it can be sprinkled on roasted vegetables for a flavorful seasoning.
In Conclusion
The secret to a delicious Israeli shawarma lies in the unique blend of spices, the use of fresh ingredients, and the proper marinating technique. By following this recipe, you can enjoy the authentic flavors of Israeli shawarma in your own kitchen. So next time you crave this mouth-watering dish, skip the takeout and make it yourself with this homemade spice blend.