What is shawarma eaten with?

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern meat dish that consists of thin slices of marinated meat stacked together on a vertical rotisserie or spit. The meat is roasted for hours as it slowly rotates, allowing the flavors to blend together. Once cooked, slices are shaved off the outer surface into a pita or flatbread, along with vegetables and sauces, to create a delicious sandwich.

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Origins of Shawarma

The origins of shawarma can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire and Turkey during the 19th century. The Turkish word “çevirme” refers to the spinning rotisserie, which allowed for the vertical cooking method. This style of roasting meat spread throughout the Middle East, with each country adapting it to local tastes and preferences. The versatility of shawarma comes from the variety of meats, toppings, and sauces used in its preparation.

Meats Used in Shawarma

There are several different meats that can be used to make shawarma:

Chicken – Chicken is a very popular option, providing a lean, mild flavor.
Lamb – Lamb has more robust flavor and can be mixed with beef.

Beef – Beef is also commonly used and offers a heavier, richer taste.
Turkey – Ground turkey makes a lighter alternative while keeping moisture.
Veal – Veal is more delicately flavored but can be expensive.

The choice of meat impacts the overall flavor profile, but all varieties are marinated to enhance taste. Spices like cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, and cloves are often used in shawarma marinades. Onions, garlic, lemon juice, yogurt and olive oil also help tenderize and add flavor to the meat.

Cooking Method

An essential aspect of shawarma preparation is the vertical cooking method:

Meat is stacked in thin slices on a vertical spit or rotisserie.

The rotisserie slowly rotates, cooking the meat from all sides.
A heat source cooks the meat, usually electric or gas powered.
As the outer layer cooks, slices are shaved off for serving.

The constant cooking and shaving allows for a continual supply.

This style of vertical roasting allows the meat’s juices to run down and self-baste. The slow cooking results in very tender, flavorful meat imbued with the spices and marinade. Home cooks can recreate this on a smaller scale using a rotisserie attachment or even a gas or charcoal grill.

Toppings and Fillings

In addition to the meat, shawarma is served with an array of toppings and fillings inside the pita or flatbread sandwich:

Tahini – Tahini sauce provides creaminess from sesame seeds.
Hummus – Made from chickpeas, hummus is a popular condiment.
Zhoug – A hot sauce or chili paste with herbs and spices.

Amba – Pickled mango sauce with a unique sweet and sour flavor.
Onions – Grilled onions add texture and mild sweetness.
Tomatoes – Sliced tomatoes help cut through the richness.

Cucumbers – Cool, crisp cucumber slices balance the other fillings.
Pickles – Pickled vegetables like turnips complement the meat.
Tabbouleh – A parsley and bulgur wheat salad.

Lettuce – Crisp lettuce leaves add freshness.

The combinations of toppings and sauces add moisture, crunch, creaminess, and additional layers of flavor. They help make each bite of shawarma uniquely delicious.

Serving Shawarma

There are two main ways that shawarma is served:

Shawarma Sandwich

The most common method is wrapped up as a sandwich in pita bread or flatbread. The freshly shaved meat right off the rotisserie is placed into the bread along with desired toppings and sauces.

Pita – The pocket of pita bread contains the fillings.
Markouk – A thinner flatbread wrapped around the shawarma.

Taboon – A thicker flatbread like pizza dough.
Durum – A wrap made from wheat flour.

The portability of a handheld sandwich makes shawarma a great street food or quick meal. Different breads and wraps impact the taste and texture.

Shawarma Plate

Another serving option is a plated meal with the shawarma served along rice, salad, baked potatoes or fries. The components are layered over a bed of rice or greens instead of wrapped in bread. This plated style allows the shawarma to be turned into a heartier entrée.

A shawarma plate often comes with sides like:

Rice – Plain or flavored rice.

Fries – French fries or potato wedges.
Salad – Lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cucumber.
Roasted vegetables – Eggplant, cauliflower, squash.

Baba ghanoush – Fire-roasted eggplant dip.

The plate method for serving shawarma gives it more of a meal feel and allows for enjoying the meat with sides and toppings mixed in each bite.

Beverage Pairings

Certain beverages pair especially well with shawarma to cut through the richness of the meat and complement the seasonings:

Yogurt drinks – Salty or sweet yogurt-based drinks.
Laban – A savory yogurt-based milk drink.
Ayran – A thinner, drinkable yogurt.

Lassi – A yogurt smoothie made with fruit.
Juices – Orange, mango, lemon, or lime juice.
Iced tea – Black or herbal iced tea.

Soda – Citrus-flavored sodas like lemon-lime.

The coolness and acidity of yogurt drinks, juices, and citrus sodas counterbalance the hot, rich meat. They aid in digestion and cut through any heavy sensations. Water is also key for hydration after consuming salty shawarma.

Middle Eastern Sides

In the Middle East, shawarma is often served with traditional vegetable dishes and dips:

Side Dish	Description
Tabbouleh	Parsley and bulgur wheat salad with tomato, onion, garlic.
Fattoush	Salad with vegetables, herbs, fried pita chips.
Falafel	Fried chickpea fritters, often served in sandwiches.
Warak Enab	Stuffed grape leaves with rice, herbs.
Labneh	Strained yogurt cheese.
Muhammara	Red pepper and walnut dip.
Baba Ghanoush	Smoky eggplant dip.

These sides add traditional Mediterranean flavors that pair well with shawarma. The veggie dishes provide lighter contrast to the rich meat.

More Tips for Serving Shawarma

Here are some additional tips for serving shawarma:

Garnish with fresh herbs – Cilantro, parsley, mint.

Include chili sauce for spiciness.
Provide garlic or hot sauce on the side.
Slice pickles or onions to top sandwiches.

Set out tahini, hummus and amba for spreading.
Serve with pita chips or fresh pitas.
Allow guests to assemble their own sandwiches.

Having a spread of shawarma toppings and sauces available allows people to customize to their tastes. Letting guests build their own sandwiches also makes for an interactive meal.

Conclusion

Shawarma is a flavorful Middle Eastern meat dish that has countless variations. While the rotating vertical cooking method remains constant, the choice of meat, toppings, sauces, and sides can differ greatly. From chicken to lamb, beef to turkey, the versatile ingredients make shawarma an endlessly customizable sandwich or plated meal. Paired with cool yogurt drinks, fresh vegetables, and spicy sauces, shawarma is a sensory treat for all. Its complex blend of tastes and textures have made it a worldwide phenomenon.