Shawarma is both a cooking technique and a flavor. While you may not have a upright, rotating rotisserie to cook with, this spice blend will help you capture the flavor and aroma of authentic shawarma. This blend is a heady combo of cinnamon, allspice, cloves and cardamom. It's best to allow some time for the blend to meld with the meat in the refrigerator--overnight is ideal. Serve this with a cool side like our Tzatziki or Greek yogurt combined with Zahtar.
Ingredients:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 Tbl Shawarma Seasoning
Salt
4 Tbl Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Directions:
Cut the thighs into 1 inch strips. If desired, skewer them on wooden skewers that have been pre-soaked in water. Season both sides lightly with salt, granulated onion and granulated garlic. Combine the Shawarma seasoning and Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Marinate the chicken in this mixture in a ziptop bag or in a bowl. Refrigerate and allow to marinate at least one hour--overnight is ideal. Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and brush any remaining marinade on the chicken. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, no pink color remains and the juices run clear. Serve with Zahtar dipping sauce (below) or Tzatziki.
For the dipping sauce:
Combine 1 cup lowfat Greek yogurt, 2 tsp Zahtar Blend. Mix and taste. Add more Zahtar seasoning if a stronger flavor is desired. Season with salt to taste.