Homemade shawarma

Healthy eating is an essential pillar of a healthy lifestyle, along with regular physical activity, adequate sleep and stress management. Adopting balanced and nutritious eating habits is essential for maintaining overall health and preventing chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. It is important to realize that you do not have to give up the dishes you love to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Instead, you can choose to enjoy the taste and nutrients of your favorite foods, without compromising your health.

For example, if you're a shawarma lover, you can choose to carefully prepare it at home, with complete control over the ingredients used and cooking methods. Choosing fresh, quality ingredients, such as lean chicken or turkey, fresh vegetables, and healthy sauces, can transform shawarma from a calorie-dense fast food option into a balanced, nutritious meal. By cooking at home, you have the ability to control the amount of salt, fat, and additives you add, which helps reduce your calorie intake and improve the nutritional quality of your meal.

Preparing six servings of chicken shawarma at home takes an average of 30-45 minutes. In general, preparing the ingredients and cooking the meat takes about 20-30 minutes, while assembling and rolling the shawarma can take another 10-15 minutes. It is important to also consider any preliminary activities, such as marinating the meat or preparing the side dishes, which can increase the total preparation time. Finally, cooking shawarma at home gives you the opportunity to experiment with flavors and combinations of ingredients, customizing the classic recipe according to your own preferences. Thus, you can enjoy a delicious, healthy and satisfying shawarma, without compromising your well-being and healthy lifestyle.

Contents:

1. Homemade shawarma - how to prepare

1.1. Homemade shawarma ingredients for 6 people

2. Homemade shawarma recipe - what ingredients you can add to create other tasty recipes

3. Healthy Shawarma - tips and recommendations

1. Homemade shawarma - preparation method

Chicken shawarma has successfully established itself as a favorite among foodies around the world. It has evolved and adapted ingeniously, satisfying even the most refined tastes. At first, it was enjoyed on the busy streets of cities, and gradually it turned into -a unique gastronomic experience that has crossed cultural and geographical boundaries. The simple and delicious recipe, with chicken and other delicious ingredients wrapped in fresh pita bread and topped with various side dishes and sauces, has captured the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world. .

There is an impressive variety of recipes for preparing chicken shawarma, each surprising with its unmistakable flavor. From the perfectly balanced combination of juicy chicken meat and fresh vegetables, to the explosion of flavors given by the intense sauces, each bite represents a captivating culinary journey. Thus, even in the context of a growing concern for healthy eating, homemade chicken shawarma can be reinterpreted in a nutritionally balanced version. Next, you will learn how to make healthy homemade chicken shawarma:

• Step 1: Start by mixing olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and salt in a medium bowl. This flavorful blend will give your chicken a sensational flavor and texture!
• Step 2: Wash the chicken breast, cut it into strips and place it in the previously prepared mixture. Make sure to coat the meat well, then leave it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
• Step 3: After marinating, spray a pan with cooking spray and fry the chicken breast strips until golden brown and tender. Alternatively, bake them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for about 25-30 minutes.
• Step 4: Next, wash the lettuce, remove the stem and tear the leaves into smaller pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference, to add freshness and texture to the shawarma. Then, dice the tomatoes, slice the cucumber and julienne the onion.
• Step 5: Heat the whole wheat pitas in a pan greased with cooking spray until they become slightly crispy, intensifying their flavor and giving them a pleasant texture before assembling the homemade chicken breast shawarma.
• Step 6: Begin assembling the shawarma by placing some of the lettuce leaves on each warmed pita, then add the fried chicken strips, diced tomatoes, cucumber slices, and julienned red onion.
• Step 7: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt and calorie-free dressings, and if you want an extra dose of freshness, you can also add a little lemon juice. Add fresh and aromatic herbs, such as parsley, coriander or mint, depending on your preferences.
• Step 8: Finally, roll the chicken shawarma tightly and wrap it in baking paper or cling film to keep it compact and keep the ingredients inside during serving or transport.

1.1. Homemade shawarma ingredients for 6 people

To have a tasty and healthy result, you need to know what goes into homemade chicken shawarma:

• 800 g skinless chicken breast;
• 2 tablespoons olive oil;
• 2 cloves of garlic;
• 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika;
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder;
• 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper;
• 6 whole wheat breads;
• cooking spray ;
• 2 large tomatoes;
• 1 large cucumber;
• 1 large red onion;
• 1 green salad;
• 1 tablespoon of natural Greek yogurt;
• 1 lemon;
• calorie-free sauces ;
• mix of fresh herbs;
• salt, to taste.

2. Homemade shawarma recipe - what ingredients you can add to create other tasty recipes

If you want to have many delicious and healthy recipes, you can add various ingredients to the classic version of homemade shawarma with chicken breast to enrich its taste and content and provide it with a variety of essential nutrients. You can try adding fresh and colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli or carrots, to obtain a homemade shawarma richer in fiber and vitamins. You can also add other lean proteins, such as salmon or tofu, to further diversify the nutritional profile of the dish.

Don't forget to experiment with different spices and herbs to add new and interesting flavors to your shawarma. You can add spices like turmeric, ginger, or cumin to give it an exotic taste and benefit from their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For an extra creaminess and freshness, you can add sliced ​​avocado or hummus, which will add even more healthy fats and fiber, turning it into a satisfying and more nutritious shawarma option.

For added texture and nutrients, you can include other ingredients in your shawarma, such as quinoa, bulgur, black beans, or chickpeas. These provide a variety of proteins, fibers, and minerals, enriching the taste and nutritional content of the dish, while maintaining a pleasant texture. Also, adding dried fruits, seeds, and healthy cheeses can perfectly complement this recipe, providing a balance between flavor and health benefits.

In addition to adding additional nutrient-rich ingredients to your homemade shawarma recipe, serving protein-rich foods, such as fruit bars or chocolate, after enjoying your main course will provide you with a perfect nutritional balance and lasting satisfaction. They will provide your protein needs and keep your energy levels and well-being stable throughout the day, avoiding sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

3. Healthy Shawarma - tips and recommendations

If you want to prepare a shawarma following a simple and nutritious recipe, it is necessary to keep in mind a few tips and recommendations that will contribute to the success of this dish, namely:

• Know the ingredients you use: Learn to recognize and choose fresh, quality ingredients. Knowing the provenance and characteristics of each ingredient can help you achieve better results in the kitchen. For example, opt for lean meats, such as chicken breast or turkey, replacing fattier lamb or beef. Also, use fresh, colorful vegetables to add nutrients and flavor to the shawarma you prepare.
• Use the right utensils: Make sure you have the right utensils for each stage of food preparation and cooking. Keep in mind that sharp knives allow for precise and efficient cutting of ingredients, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring uniform cooking. A chopper will also be useful for quickly and evenly chopping vegetables, such as onions, peppers or tomatoes, giving you the necessary control over their size and consistency in the composition of the shawarma you are preparing.
• Control the temperature: Monitor the temperature carefully while cooking to avoid overcooking or undercooking your food. A kitchen thermometer gives you the control you need to ensure that your food is cooked to the correct temperature, preventing the risk of illness and guaranteeing consistent, delicious results.
• Taste and adjust regularly: Make sure to taste your dishes regularly during cooking to check and adjust the taste. Adapt the spices and flavors you add to your homemade chicken breast shawarma according to your own preferences to achieve a personalized and satisfying culinary result.
• Balanced assembly: To create a nutritionally balanced shawarma, distribute the ingredients evenly in the pita. This will ensure a harmonious combination of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the pita, and healthy fats from the sauces and vegetables, contributing to a satisfying and healthy dining experience.
• Monitor your portions: To maintain a healthy calorie balance, it's important to pay attention to portion sizes when preparing or eating shawarma. Avoid excess calories by limiting the amount of meat and sauces added to your shawarma. Try to fill your shawarma generously with fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and lettuce. This will add volume and texture without adding many calories. Another strategy is to choose a smaller pita or divide the shawarma into two portions to better control your calorie intake.
• Maintain cleanliness while cooking: While cooking, it is essential to periodically clean work surfaces and utensils used, removing food debris and dirt to ensure a hygienic and safe environment in the kitchen. This practice reduces the risk of illness and contributes to the quality of culinary preparations.
• Explore new techniques and recipes: Don't be afraid to try new recipes and cooking techniques. Experimentation can broaden your culinary horizons and help you discover surprising flavors and ingredient combinations. Don't hesitate to try different spices and flavors to customize your shawarma in a unique and flavorful way.
• Enjoy the meal with your loved ones: Enjoy the experience of cooking and serving food with family and friends. Food prepared with love and shared with loved ones tastes even better.
• Enjoy the process: Cooking can be a rewarding and creative experience. Enjoy every step of the process, from choosing ingredients to serving your food, and remember to relax and have fun in the kitchen!
• Eat balanced: Serve shawarma with a salad or a portion of vegetables to complete the meal and provide additional nutritional intake. These will bring freshness and texture, complementing the taste of the shawarma and ensuring nutritional balance and variety in the diet.

In conclusion, there is no need to give up the flavor and authenticity of your favorite dishes, such as chicken shawarma at home, if you want to enjoy them in the comfort of your home. By choosing the right fresh and quality ingredients, carefully following the preparation steps and customizing the recipe with the ingredients you like, you will have a delicious shawarma, prepared with care and dedication.

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