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Shawarma: Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ’s
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Shawarma, a popular Middle Eastern dish, has a rich history and a unique preparation method that contributes to its distinct flavor. Originating from the Ottoman Empire, shawarma consists of meat cut into thin slices, stacked in an inverted cone, and roasted on a slowly turning vertical rotisserie or spit. Traditionally made with lamb or mutton, it can also be made with chicken, turkey, beef, or veal. The thin slices are shaved off the cooked surface as it continuously rotates, creating a delicious and flavorful meal.
What is Shawarma?
Shawarma is an Arabic rendering of the Turkish term çevirme, which means “turning”. This refers to the turning rotisserie that is a key part of the shawarma preparation process. The technique of grilling a vertical stack of meat slices and cutting it off as it cooks first appeared in the 19th-century Ottoman Empire, in what is now Turkey. This method of preparation gives shawarma its unique flavor and texture.
The History of Shawarma
The roasting of meat on horizontal spits has an ancient history, but the shawarma technique—grilling a vertical stack of meat slices and cutting it off as it cooks—first appeared in the 19th-century Ottoman Empire. Both the Greek gyros and shawarma are derived from this. Shawarma, in turn, led to the development during the early 20th century of the contemporary Mexican dish tacos al pastor when it was brought there by Lebanese immigrants.
How is Shawarma Prepared?
Shawarma is prepared from thin cuts of seasoned and marinated lamb, mutton, veal, beef, chicken, or turkey. The slices are stacked on a skewer about 60 cm (20 in) high. Pieces of fat may be added to the stack to provide extra juiciness and flavor. A motorized spit slowly turns the stack of meat in front of an electric or gas-fired heating element, continuously roasting the outer layer. Shavings are cut off the rotating stack for serving, customarily with a long, flat knife.
Spices may include cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, and/or paprika, and in some areas baharat. Shawarma is commonly served as a sandwich or wrap, in a flatbread such as pita or laffa. In the Middle East, chicken shawarma is typically served with garlic sauce, fries, and pickles.
Variations of Shawarma
In Israel, most shawarma is made with dark-meat turkey and is commonly served with tahina sauce because yogurt sauce with meat would violate the Jewish dietary prohibition on eating milk and meat together. It is often garnished with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, pickled vegetables, hummus, tahina sauce, sumac, or amba mango sauce. Some restaurants offer additional toppings, including grilled peppers, eggplant, or french fries.
In Bahrain, there is a popular variant of the shawarma, referred to as a malgoum, which is a traditional shawarma, but with the addition of french fries and cheese.
Shawarma is a versatile dish, with variations and adaptations found in different regions. Despite these variations, the core elements of shawarma remain the same, making it a beloved dish worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shawarma
What is Shawarma? Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from thinly sliced marinated meat that is stacked on a vertical spit and slowly roasted. The meat is then shaved off and typically served in a pita or flatbread with various accompaniments.
What is the origin of Shawarma? Shawarma originated from the Ottoman Empire and is now popular worldwide. The term “Shawarma” is an Arabic rendering of the Turkish word “çevirme”, which means “turning”, referring to the turning rotisserie.
What types of meat are used in Shawarma? Traditionally, Shawarma is made with lamb or mutton. However, it can also be made with chicken, turkey, beef, or veal.
What spices are used in Shawarma? Shawarma is usually marinated with a mix of spices that may include cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, and paprika. In some regions, a spice mix called baharat is used.
How is Shawarma cooked? Shawarma is cooked on a slowly turning vertical rotisserie or spit. The heat slowly roasts the outer layer of the meat, which is then shaved off for serving.
How is Shawarma served? Shawarma is commonly served as a sandwich or wrap in a flatbread such as pita or laffa. It is often accompanied by vegetables, pickles, and a variety of sauces.
What sauces are served with Shawarma? Shawarma is often served with tahini sauce, garlic sauce, or yogurt-based sauces. The choice of sauce often depends on the type of meat used and regional preferences.
What is the difference between Shawarma and Gyro? Both Shawarma and Gyro involve the grilling of meat on a spit and are served in a similar manner. However, they differ in terms of their origin, seasoning, and accompaniments. Shawarma is Middle Eastern, while Gyro is Greek.
Is Shawarma healthy? Shawarma can be a healthy meal option as it contains protein from the meat and fiber from the vegetables. However, its healthiness can vary depending on the amount and type of sauce used, as well as the cooking method.
Can Shawarma be made with vegetarian alternatives? Yes, there are vegetarian versions of Shawarma that use alternatives like tofu, seitan, or jackfruit instead of meat.
What are some popular Shawarma variations? Shawarma has many regional variations. For example, in Israel, Shawarma is often made with dark-meat turkey and served with tahina sauce. In Bahrain, a popular variant includes the addition of french fries and cheese.
What is the traditional method of making Shawarma? The traditional method involves marinating the meat in a mix of spices, then stacking thin slices of the meat onto a vertical spit. The spit is then slowly rotated in front of a heat source for hours until the meat is cooked.
Can Shawarma be made at home? Yes, Shawarma can be made at home, although it might not be exactly the same as the traditional method. Home cooks can marinate and grill the meat on a regular grill or in an oven.
What is the best cut of meat for Shawarma? The best cut of meat for Shawarma depends on the type of meat being used. For chicken, thighs are often preferred for their flavor and tenderness. For beef, cuts like flank steak or sirloin are commonly used.
What is the difference between Shawarma and Kebab? While both Shawarma and Kebab involve grilling meat, Kebab usually refers to chunks of meat skewered and grilled, while Shawarma is made from thin slices of marinated meat stacked on a spit and slowly roasted.
What bread is used for Shawarma? Shawarma is typically served in a type of flatbread. This can be pita, laffa, or even a tortilla in some variations.
What is the white sauce on Shawarma? The white sauce on Shawarma is typically a garlic sauce, also known as Toum, or a yogurt-based sauce. The exact ingredients can vary.
Is Shawarma spicy? Shawarma can be spicy depending on the spices used in the marinade and the sauces served with it. However, it is typically more aromatic than spicy.
What side dishes go with Shawarma? Shawarma can be served with a variety of side dishes, including fries, salads, pickles, and dips like hummus or baba ganoush.
How long does it take to cook Shawarma? The cooking time for Shawarma can vary depending on the method used. Traditional Shawarma cooked on a spit can take hours, while a home version cooked in an oven or on a grill can take much less time.
What is Shawarma seasoning made of? Shawarma seasoning is typically a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, garlic, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon. Some blends may also include cloves, cayenne pepper, or other spices.
Can Shawarma be frozen? Yes, you can freeze Shawarma. It’s best to freeze it in individual portions for easy thawing and reheating.
What is the red sauce in Shawarma? The red sauce in Shawarma is often a spicy sauce made from chillies. The exact ingredients can vary.
Is Shawarma gluten-free? The meat in Shawarma is typically gluten-free, but it is often served in a wrap or with sauces that may contain gluten. Always check the ingredients if you need to avoid gluten.
What drinks go well with Shawarma? Traditional Middle Eastern drinks like mint lemonade or tamarind juice go well with Shawarma. Other options could include iced tea, soda, or a light beer.
Is Shawarma suitable for a keto diet? The meat in Shawarma is suitable for a keto diet, but the bread and some sauces may not be. If you’re on a keto diet, you could enjoy Shawarma as a salad without the bread.
What is the difference between Shawarma and Doner Kebab? Shawarma and Doner Kebab are similar in that they both involve meat cooked on a rotating spit. The main difference is in the seasoning and the accompaniments. Shawarma is Middle Eastern and is usually served with tahini or garlic sauce, while Doner Kebab is Turkish and is often served with a yogurt-based sauce.