Shawarma Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6g black tea BBQ seasoning
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs or beef, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup tahini sauce or garlic sauce, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Black Tea Marinade:

• In a small bowl, mix the black tea BBQ seasoning with the boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 3-4 minutes, then strain and let it cool. This mixture will be used to marinate the meat.

Marinate the Meat:

• Place the sliced chicken or beef in a shallow dish and pour the cooled black tea marinade over it. Add the olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.

Cook the Meat:

• Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated meat from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
• Grill or sauté the meat for about 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned. If using chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Assemble the Shawarma:

• Warm the pita breads or flatbreads on the grill or in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.
• To assemble, place a portion of the cooked meat on each pita. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, and a generous drizzle of tahini sauce or garlic sauce.

Serve:

• Roll up the pita to enclose the filling and serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
• Enjoy your Shawarma with a hint of black tea flavor, perfect for a delicious lunch or dinner. The combination of tender, spiced meat and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that transports you to the streets of the Middle East.