Mini Shawarma is a popular and delicious fast food meal loved by everyone. It combines the flavor of marinated grilled meat, savory spices, and fresh bread. In this recipe, we will use simple ingredients that bring amazing flavor to the dish, making it perfect for gatherings or as a quick meal throughout the day.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams boneless chicken breast (sliced thinly)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon mashed garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon shawarma spices
• 1/2 teaspoon dried coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• Small Arabic bread or flatbread (for wrapping)
• Vegetables for serving (chopped tomatoes, pickled cucumbers, parsley)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a bowl, mix the olive oil with mashed garlic, grated ginger, shawarma spices, coriander, black pepper, cumin, lemon juice, and vinegar.
   • Add yogurt and mix the ingredients well until the marinade is smooth and well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken slices in the marinade and mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated.
   • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably for 1 hour for a stronger flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
   • Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked.
   • Make sure to flip the chicken pieces for even browning.
4. Prepare the Bread:
   • Heat the Arabic bread or flatbread for 1-2 minutes in a skillet or oven until it becomes warm and flexible.
5. Assemble:
   • Place the cooked chicken slices in the center of the bread.
   • Add vegetables such as chopped tomatoes, pickled cucumbers, and parsley.
   • Wrap the bread tightly around the filling to form the mini shawarma.

Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Marination: At least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour)
• Cooking: 10 minutes
• Total: 55 minutes (including marination time)

Serving and Garnishing:

• Serve: Serve the mini shawarma immediately with fresh vegetables or pickles on the side.
• Garnish: You can garnish the dish with extra filling of tahini sauce or yogurt sauce to enhance the flavor.

Tips for Recipe Success and Avoiding Mistakes:

• Make sure the chicken is well-marinated before cooking to get the most flavor.
• Fresh chicken is preferred for the best taste.
• You can adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste.

Healthy Alternatives for Recipe Ingredients:

• Use grilled chicken instead of frying to reduce fat content.
• You can use whole-grain bread instead of white bread for better nutritional value.
• Replace regular yogurt with low-fat yogurt or plant-based yogurt.

Side Dishes to Serve with Mini Shawarma:

• Tahini salad or yogurt salad.
• Grilled vegetables like red bell pepper and zucchini.
• Fried or roasted potatoes.

Alternative Recipes to Enhance Health Benefits:

• Grilled Chicken Mini Shawarma: Use grilled chicken instead of fried for a lighter option.
• Vegetable Mini Shawarma: You can replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper with spices to enhance plant-based benefits.

Warnings:

• Vegetarians: You can replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or falafel.
• People on a diet: You can reduce the amount of oil and yogurt to lower calories.
• Children: Make sure to adjust the spices according to taste to avoid spiciness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Shawarma:

1. What is the best type of chicken for making Mini Shawarma?
   • The best type of chicken for Mini Shawarma is boneless chicken breasts because they are light and easy to cook. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
2. Can Mini Shawarma be made with vegetables only?
   • Yes, Mini Shawarma can be made with vegetables only, such as grilled eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, to suit vegetarians or those who prefer plant-based foods.
3. Can yogurt be replaced in the recipe?
   • Yes, you can replace yogurt with low-fat yogurt or even plant-based yogurt (such as almond or coconut yogurt) to reduce calories.
4. How can I make Mini Shawarma gluten-free?
   • To make it gluten-free, you can replace the regular Arabic bread with gluten-free bread or serve the shawarma in lettuce wraps.
5. Can Mini Shawarma be prepared in the oven instead of a skillet?
   • Yes, Mini Shawarma can be prepared in the oven instead of the skillet. You can place the marinated chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in the oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
6. What is the correct way to assemble Mini Shawarma?
   • To assemble Mini Shawarma correctly, place the cooked chicken slices in the center of the Arabic bread, then add vegetables such as tomatoes, pickled cucumbers, and parsley. Finally, wrap the bread tightly to form the mini shawarma.
7. Can Mini Shawarma be stored for later?
   • Yes, the cooked chicken in Mini Shawarma can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can be reheated before serving or prepared as a quick meal later.
8. Can other sauces like tahini or hot sauce be added?
   • Of course, you can add tahini sauce or hot sauce to taste to enhance the flavor. Hot sauce is a popular option with shawarma.
9. What is the ideal marination time for the chicken?
   • The best marination time for the chicken is at least 30 minutes, but it is preferred to leave it for an hour for a stronger flavor.
10. Can Mini Shawarma be made with meat instead of chicken?
    • Yes, you can replace the chicken with beef or lamb, and you can prepare the same marinade or adjust it according to your preferred meat.

Nutritional Values for Each Ingredient in Mini Shawarma:

500 grams boneless chicken breasts (sliced thinly):

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Protein: 46 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Iron: 1.2 mg
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Potassium: 700 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.7 mg
• Vitamin B12: 0.8 µg
  Benefits: A rich source of protein essential for muscle building and boosting immunity.

2 tablespoons olive oil:

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated fat: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Potassium: 0 mg
• Vitamin E: 2.5 mg
  Benefits: Contains healthy unsaturated fats that promote heart health and reduce inflammation.

1 teaspoon minced garlic:

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Fat: 0.02 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Potassium: 20 mg
• Vitamin C: 0.9 mg
  Benefits: Contains antibacterial and antifungal compounds, boosts heart health.

1 teaspoon grated ginger:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0.05 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Potassium: 15 mg
• Vitamin C: 0.2 mg
  Benefits: Helps improve digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

1/2 teaspoon shawarma spices:

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Potassium: 10 mg
  Benefits: Enhances flavor and aids in digestion.

1/2 teaspoon dried coriander:

• Calories: 2 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Potassium: 15 mg
• Vitamin K: 3.5 µg
  Benefits: Contains antioxidants and strengthens the immune system.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper:

• Calories: 2 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Potassium: 15 mg
  Benefits: Helps improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

1/2 teaspoon cumin:

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Potassium: 30 mg
  Benefits: Aids in digestion and acts as an antifungal agent.

1 tablespoon lemon juice:

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Vitamin C: 10.7 mg
  Benefits: A rich source of Vitamin C, boosts immune health.

1 tablespoon vinegar:

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.7 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Potassium: 5 mg
  Benefits: Helps improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.

1/4 cup yogurt:

• Calories: 35 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Sodium: 25 mg
• Potassium: 100 mg
• Calcium: 80 mg
  Benefits: Enhances gut health with probiotics, aids digestion.

Small Arabic bread or flatbread (for wrapping):

• Calories: 150-200 kcal (depending on size)
• Protein: 4-5 g
• Fat: 3-5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 g
• Sodium: 200-300 mg
  Benefits: Provides a quick energy source and contains fiber if whole grains are used.

Vegetables for serving (chopped tomatoes, pickled cucumber, parsley):

• Calories: 20-30 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5-6 g
• Sodium: 200-300 mg (in pickled cucumber)
• Potassium: 100-150 mg
• Vitamin C: 10-15 mg
  Benefits: Contains beneficial vitamins and minerals for digestion and skin health.

Notes: Nutritional values may vary slightly based on the size and type of ingredients, especially for vegetables or if a different type of bread is used.

Nutritional Values for Mini Shawarma (Total per Serving):

• Calories: 380 - 420 kcal
• Protein: 36 - 40 g
• Fat: 22 - 26 g
• Saturated fat: 3 - 5 g
• Unsaturated fat: 15 - 17 g
• Trans fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 - 40 g
• Dietary fiber: 3 - 5 g
• Sugar: 3 - 5 g
• Sodium: 500 - 650 mg
• Calcium: 40 - 50 mg
• Iron: 2 - 3 mg
• Potassium: 500 - 600 mg
• Vitamin C: 10 - 15 mg

Overall Nutritional Benefits:

• Rich in Protein: Helps with muscle building and tissue repair.
• Healthy Fats: Contains unsaturated fats that support heart and vascular health.
• High in Fiber: Aids in digestion and provides a feeling of fullness.
• Good Source of Potassium: Enhances heart health and helps regulate blood pressure.
• Rich in Vitamins: Contains moderate amounts of Vitamin C and essential minerals like calcium and iron.

Mini Shawarma Conclusion:

Now you can prepare the most delicious shawarma at home, just like restaurants!
After learning an easy and tasty recipe for mini shawarma, it’s time to try it out. This quick meal combining spiced chicken and oriental flavors will be a hit at any party or family gathering.

Final Tips:

• Store the shawarma in the fridge for a maximum of two days.
• Garnish the dish with garlic sauce or hot sauce.
• Serve it with pickled onions and black pepper.

Share Your Experience:

• Leave your review for the recipe.
• Post a photo of your homemade shawarma.
• Save lots of money by preparing it at home.

Try These Extra Touches:

• Use minced lamb to vary the flavor.
• Add hummus as a side dish.
• Try a new marinade with an extra spoon of olive oil.

With these simple steps, you now have the secret to making shawarma tastier than at the restaurant!