Chicken Shawarma, Tarator Sauce, Tahini Sauce, Yogurt Garlic Sauce And Falafel by Zarnak Sidhwa

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma:

• Chicken breast 1/2 kg
• Yogurt 1 cup
• Vinegar 1/4 cup
• Garlic, crushed 2 cloves
• Black pepper 1 tsp
• Salt 1/2 tsp
• Cardamom pods 2
• All spice 1 tsp
• Lemon (juice) 1

For Sauce:

• Tahini 1 cup
• Garlic, crushed 2 cloves
• Lemon juice 1/4 cup
• Yogurt 2 tbsp

For Filling:

• Pitta bread as required
• Onions as required
• Tomato as required
• Parsley 1/2 cup
• Gherkins sliced as required
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients except for chicken and make a marinate.
2. If it seems a little dry, add a little olive oil (a tablespoon at a time).
3. Add chicken, cover and refrigerated few hours, preferably overnight.
4. In a pan, cook chicken over medium heat until done.
5. While chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce.
6. Combine sauce ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
7. Take the onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and sprinkle with salt, and black pepper.
8. Add other filling ingredients in a large bowl and combine well.
9. When the chicken is done, you can shred it, slice it, or leave into large pieces.
10. Place enough chicken on pita, add veggies and pour sauce.
11. Roll up and serve with any of the sauces on the side.

Ingredients for Tarator Sauce:

• Tahini 1 cup
• Lemon juice 3/4 cup
• Water 2 tbsp
• Garlic crushed 2 cloves
• Salt 1/2 tsp
• Parsley 1/2 tsp
• Cumin a pinch

Method:

1. In a food processor, combine tahini, garlic, lemon juice, salt and cumin together.
2. Mix well and add water as you are combining the ingredients.
3. Remove from processor and scoop into a small bowl. Stir in parsley.
4. Serve immediately, or store in refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.

Ingredients for Tahini Sauce:

• Tahini 1/2 cup
• Garlic crushed 3 cloves
• Salt 1/2 tsp
• Olive oil 2 tbsp
• Lemon juice 1/4 cup
• Parsley 1 tsp

Method:

1. In a food processor combine garlic and tahini. Add salt.
2. Remove from processor and add olive oil and lemon juice.
3. If too thick, add a teaspoon of warm water until desired consistency.
4. Mix in parsley. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Ingredients for Yogurt Garlic Sauce:

• Yogurt 1 cup
• Garlic minced 2 cloves
• Lemon juice 2 tbsp
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic and salt. Mix well.
2. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate.

Ingredients for Falafel:

• Chickpeas 15 oz           
• Onion 1
• Minced garlic 1 tbsp
• Parsley 2 tbsp
• Coriander 1 tsp
• Cumin 3/4 tsp
• Salt 1/2 tsp
• Black pepper 1/2 tsp
• Flour 2 tbsp
• Oil for frying

Method:

1. Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, parsley, cumin, salt and pepper in medium bowl. Add flour and combine well.
2. Mash chickpeas, making sure to mix ingredients together, to form a thick paste.
3. Form the mixture into small balls. Slightly flatten.
4. Fry in hot oil until golden brown (2-5 minutes).
5. Serve falafel with hot pita bread with veggies, hummus, or tahini sauce.