Discover the authentic tamil flavor: step-by-step chicken shawarma recipe for your home

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Middle East with this authentic chicken shawarma recipe in Tamil. Shawarma, a beloved street food delicacy, is a savory blend of marinated chicken, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables wrapped in a tender pita bread. Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Shawarma Filling:

• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Pita bread
• Tahini sauce
• Hummus
• Pickles

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips with the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Grilling the Chicken

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto skewers.
3. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.

Preparing the Shawarma Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and sauté until softened.
3. Add the bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
4. Stir in the tomato, cucumber, parsley, and cilantro.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Shawarma

1. Warm the pita bread in the oven or on a griddle.
2. Spread a layer of tahini sauce on the pita bread.
3. Top with the grilled chicken, shawarma filling, hummus, and pickles.
4. Wrap the pita bread tightly and enjoy immediately.

Tips

• For a more authentic flavor, use a charcoal grill or grill pan.
• If you don’t have skewers, you can also grill the chicken in a single layer on the grill or in a baking dish in the oven.
• Feel free to customize the shawarma filling with your favorite vegetables, such as shredded cabbage or pickled turnips.
• Serve the shawarma with additional tahini sauce and hummus for dipping.

Variations

• Lamb Shawarma: Replace the chicken with lamb for a more traditional Middle Eastern flavor.
• Beef Shawarma: Use thinly sliced beef strips instead of chicken.
• Vegetarian Shawarma: Omit the meat and use grilled halloumi cheese, falafel, or vegetables as the filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the shawarma as a main course with a side of fries or salad.
• Cut the shawarma into bite-sized pieces and serve it as an appetizer.
• Use the shawarma filling as a topping for tacos, burritos, or pizzas.

Health Benefits

• Chicken is a lean protein source that is low in fat and calories.
• The vegetables in the shawarma filling provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Yogurt is a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.

Wrapping Up

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Middle East with this authentic chicken shawarma recipe in Tamil. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a delicious home-cooked meal, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Experiment with the variations and serving suggestions to create a culinary experience that is uniquely your own.

Answers to Your Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before marinating.

2. How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for as little as 2 hours or as long as overnight. The longer you marinate it, the more flavorful it will be.

3. What is the best way to grill the chicken?

For the best results, use a charcoal grill or grill pan. This will give the chicken a slightly charred flavor that adds to the overall taste.

4. Can I make the shawarma filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the shawarma filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. How do I store the leftover shawarma?

Store the leftover shawarma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.