Middle Eastern Flavors: How to Cook Shawarma and Falafel

Middle Eastern cuisine is a vibrant blend of flavors, fragrances, and textures that captures the heart. Among its many delights, shawarma and falafel stand out as two iconic dishes. Not only do these meals deliver an unforgettable eating experience, but they also tell rich stories of cultural traditions. In this post, we will uncover how to prepare these mouthwatering dishes right in your kitchen, allowing you to experience a slice of the Middle East at home.

What is Shawarma?

Shawarma is a famously delicious street food, traditionally made with marinated meat, usually chicken, beef, or lamb. This meat is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie, giving it a unique flavor. It is sliced thin and served in pita bread or on a platter with toppings such as tomatoes, pickles, and tahini sauce. Shawarma is known for its flavor profile, featuring spices like cumin, coriander, garlic, and paprika.

Its origins can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, and today, it remains a beloved dish in the Middle East and around the globe. A 2022 survey showed that shawarma is among the top five street foods worldwide, adored by millions.

Ingredients for Homemade Shawarma

To create a tasty shawarma at home, gather the following ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb of chicken, beef, or lamb (cut into strips)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice

• 4 cloves of garlic (minced)

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

For Serving:

• Pita bread or wraps

• Fresh veggies (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)

• Tahini sauce or garlic sauce

• Pickles (optional)

  
  

How to Prepare Shawarma

1. Marinate the Meat: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Add your chosen meat and ensure it is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight for even richer flavor.

   
   

2. Cook the Meat: While traditional shawarma cooks on a rotisserie, you can grill or pan-sear your meat at home. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the meat for about 5-7 minutes on each side until well-cooked and caramelized.

   
   

3. Slice and Serve: Allow the cooked meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly. Serve it in pita bread topped with fresh veggies and tahini sauce.

   
   

4. Garnish with Extras: Enhance your dish with a sprinkle of parsley or a dash of chili flakes for additional flavor.

   
   

What is Falafel?

Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, spiced with ingredients like garlic, cumin, and coriander. It is often served in a pita sandwich or as part of a mezze platter alongside hummus and tahini. A survey revealed that falafel is one of the most popular vegetarian dishes worldwide, beloved for its savoriness.

Its appeal comes from the crispy exterior and fluffy interior, creating a delightful textural contrast and rich flavors.

Ingredients for Homemade Falafel

For a delicious falafel experience, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)

• 1/2 onion (chopped)

• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp coriander

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Oil for frying

  
  

How to Prepare Falafel

1. Blend the Mixture: In a food processor, blend soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs, and spices until the mixture is coarse but holds together when formed into balls.

   
   

2. Form the Balls: Shape the mixture into small balls or patties. If the mix feels too dry, add a splash of water to make it easier to shape.

   
   

3. Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the falafel balls for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

   
   

4. Serve: Falafel is versatile; you can serve it in pita bread with tahini or hummus, or as part of a mezze platter with fresh veggies and olives.

   
   

Bringing Middle Eastern Flavors Home

Cooking shawarma and falafel at home allows you to dive into the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine and test your culinary skills. Both dishes are a celebration of spices, textures, and the joy of sharing meals with family and friends. Whether you're cooking for yourself or impressing guests, these recipes will transport you to the lively streets of the Middle East. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on this tasty culinary adventure!

The secret to unforgettable shawarma and falafel lies in the preparation and the love you put into your cooking. Happy cooking!