Everyone loves definitions.
I’m calling this post Shawarma 101 –
Not because my blog will only be about Shawarma,
but because I don’t quite feel like everybody is comfortable with the word.
I’m seeing the word everywhere in North America,
especially the big cities. SHAWARMA 4.99 is very easily printed in big bold letters
and hung on restaurant windows – But I don’t think that’s enough of a pull
factor to make you try a new food that can’t even recognize its own origin.
With this post – I’m keeping it simple.
I’m defining that word that you keep seeing on Menus and Street Signs
No taste testing today – No reviews on a meal
Just knowledge about my favourite (And potentially your new favourite) way of cooking meat.
Shawarma
The name is Turkish – it means turn or spin.
You can compare the Shawarma cooking process to rotisserie – minus the whole chicken.
Layers of Chicken Breasts or Beef Steaks are marinaded with
spices and juices and then placed on a rotating spit. The grill heats
up to a moderate temperature and the spit slowly spins
around while the fat drips and the meat cooks.
Once the meat is ready to be eaten – Its usually shaved off with a knife
or electric machine designed to shave meat off a Shawarma Grill.
In some restaurants –
They will grill the meat again in a pan
to add more spices and texture.
Shawarma meat is served in two ways.
The Sandwich or The Plate
Shawarma Sandwich
Shawarma Meat is stuffed into a bun or wrapped in pita bread.
Typically, you garnish your sandwich the same as a sub.
- Lettuce,
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Pickles
- Olives
- Cheese
The Sandwich is dressed with Garlic Sauce and Hot Sauce.
In addition to the traditional sandwich toppings,
I’ve listed some un-traditional toppings you may find.
These are Mediterranean toppings, and these are the
“Regular” toppings in the Middle East.
Toppings –
- Pickled Beats (Usually Bright Pink)
- Parsley Salad
- Onion Salad
- Mixed Hot Peppers
Dressings/Sauces –
- Tahini (Sesame Seed Butter)
- Mashed Garlic
- Caramelized Onions
A Shawarma Plate
Instead of the Shawarma Meat being wrapped in bread,
the meat is placed in a plate next to Rice and a Salad.
The plate is garnished with the same toppings that are
found in a Shawarma Sandwich.
Restaurants may offer different types of Rice options.
Basmati Rice is served regularly or curried. The Curried Rice has a Yellow colour and sweeter/bolder taste.
Make sure you follow my Twitter Account.
I’ll be posting some relevant information parallel
to my blog posts. Restaurants where you can find this food,
Pictures of delicious meals and we can share our experiences
while we try to spice up our lunches/dinners.
Take full advantage of living in the cultural mosaic.
Many of the people who brought their families and themselves
to Canada also brought with them the tastes of their countries.
We are at an advantage over other less diverse parts of the world
because of the opportunity we have to taste these foods without
leaving our cities (Most of the time).
I’d love to hear from my audience and supporters.
Eat on my friends.
Fast Foreign Food 