Chicken Tikka Shawarma

Raita:

• 1 cucumber (shredded)

• ½ carrot (shredded)

• ⅓ cup Cilantro (finely chopped)

• 1 tbsp mint (finely chopped)

• 1 ½ cup yogurt

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• ½ tbsp green chilies (finely chopped)

• 1 tsp crushed black pepper

• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Peel the cucumber and carrot and rinse under water. Using a shredder, shred and use a drain cloth to remove water or use hands. Put into a bowl.

2. Add in cilantro, mint, chilies, salt, black pepper and yogurt.

3. Mix well and refrigerate overnight or for about 45 mins.

Red Sauce:

• 4-6 whole dry red chilies

• 8-10 cloves garlic (minced)

• 8-10 whole peanuts

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp garam masala

• Salt to taste

Method:

1. In a bowl, place the dry red chilies and soak completely in boiling water for 15-20 mins.

2. Once soaked, take a blender and add in all the ingredients.

3. Blend until smooth consistency. Add water to make it thick or thin according to your liking.

Chicken Tikka:

• Chicken breasts

• ½ cup Yogurt

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

• Garlic ginger paste

• Green chilis

• Cumin powder

• Coriander powder

• Red kashmiri chili powder

• Turmeric powder

• Kasoori methi

• Tikka masala

• Salt

Method:

1. Place chicken breasts onto a stain free bowl. Add in yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, and green chilis. Add in all the seasonings and mix well.

2. Set the bowl in a refrigerator for about an hour to marinade and develop more flavor.

3. To cook chicken, add 2-3 tbsp of olive oil in a non-stick pan and heat on medium flame. Place chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 mins on both sides.

4. Once cooked, set aside on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Then cut into 1 inch pieces.

Salad:

• Tomatoes, sliced

• Red onion, sliced

• Lettuce, roughly chopped (optional)

To assemble Shawarma:

1. Lightly heat up the pita onto a pan and set on a piece of foil. Add in chicken pieces, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. Top with raita, and red sauce.

2. Wrap the foil to create a sandwich and an easy way to eat.

3. Serve with extra sauce on the side. Enjoy!!

Notes:

1. For my vegetarians or people who want a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with falafel. I use falafel mix from Trader Joe’s, but you can always make it from scratch.