Tantalize Your Taste Buds: A Simple And Delicious Tamil-style Chicken Shawarma Recipe For Your Next Meal

Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that has gained immense popularity in Tamil Nadu, India. This delectable dish is prepared using marinated chicken, which is roasted on a vertical rotisserie and then sliced into thin strips. The chicken is served with a variety of accompaniments, such as pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, and pickled vegetables. This blog post will provide a detailed recipe for chicken shawarma in Tamil, allowing you to recreate this flavorful dish at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Lemon juice to taste
• Pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, and pickled vegetables for serving

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

• In a large bowl, combine the garlic powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric powder, red chili powder, yogurt, olive oil, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to form a marinade.
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

2. Cooking:

• Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
• Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking tray and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

3. Assembling the Shawarma:

• Warm the pita bread in a pan or oven until it becomes soft and slightly crispy.
• Spread some hummus on the pita bread.
• Add a generous amount of sliced chicken shawarma.
• Drizzle some tahini sauce and pickled vegetables on top.
• Roll up the pita bread and enjoy your delicious chicken shawarma!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Shawarma:

• Use a good quality chicken for the best flavor.
• Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate.
• Roast the chicken at a high temperature to ensure that it cooks evenly and quickly.
• Slice the chicken into thin strips against the grain for a tender texture.
• Serve the shawarma immediately with warm pita bread and your favorite accompaniments.

Variations:

• You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.
• If you don’t have a vertical rotisserie, you can cook the chicken on a grill or in a pan.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of spices and herbs in the marinade according to your taste preferences.
• Experiment with different accompaniments, such as garlic sauce, mint chutney, or tomato salsa.

Serving Suggestions:

• Chicken shawarma is best enjoyed with warm pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, and pickled vegetables.
• You can also serve it with rice, salad, or fries.
• Chicken shawarma is a great option for a party or a potluck.

Storing Leftovers:

• Leftover chicken shawarma can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• You can reheat it in the oven or microwave until it is warmed through.

The Essence of Chicken Shawarma in Tamil Nadu:

Chicken shawarma has become an integral part of Tamil Nadu‘s culinary landscape. Its unique blend of spices and flavors has captivated the taste buds of people across the state. Whether you’re enjoying it as a street food snack or a main course at a restaurant, chicken shawarma is a dish that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of whole chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: What is the best way to store leftover chicken shawarma?
A: Leftover chicken shawarma can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make chicken shawarma ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight and then cook it the next day. You can also cook the chicken shawarma ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.