Chicken Shawarma & Hummus

I can never forget, how much i used to wait to go to Delhi's PVR Priya. It was my favorite hangout for movie and to have a bite at a corner middle eastern eatery - "Arabian Nights". I used to love their Chicken Donner Kebab or Shawarma.



Shawarma (شاورما‎) is a middle eastern style sandwich composed of shaved grilled chicken,lamb, beef or turkey.This meat is spiced with olive oil and Mediterranean seasonings. It is also called Gyro in Greece and Guss in Iraq. It is usually accompanied by Pita Bread,Hummus, salad and pickles. It is a very commonly sold fast food among all middle eastern countries. It has now crossed boundaries and is famous globally.

Enough History for now!
As my cousins sat and watched NFL, whole of the Sunday. I had nothing better to do than listening to some loud cheers, noises and football commentary (that i hardly understood). So, i decided to spend my evening in kitchen and make a middle eastern meal.

Menu:
Grilled Chicken - Shaved and Spiced
Toasted Pita Pockets
Red Paprika Hummus
Greek Salad
Pickled Jalapeno Peppers (Ready made)

Chicken Shawarma!
Ingredients:
2 lb Chicken Breast (4 pieces)

Marinade
1/3 Cup Oil
3 tbsp Lemon Juice
8 Cloves Garlic - Crushed
2 Chili Pepper - Crushed
Salt
1.5 tbsp Oregano
Black Pepper
Red Paprika
Red Chili Powder
1 tbsp Smoked Cumin Powder
5 tbsp Sour Cream (Optional)

Sauce
2 Chopped Tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil

Procedure:

1. Put deep scores or cuts on the chicken breasts. Mix all the marinade seasonings and wrap chicken in to this marinade.Keep aside for 2-3 Hours.




2. After 2-3 Hours. Preheat oven at 350F for 10 mins. Bake Chicken, until well done (35-40mins). Shave the chicken breast using a knife and shred into small peices.

3. In a heated pan, add olive oil and tomatoes. Fry for few minutes. Add shredded chicken and mix well.


This is the filling for the pitas.

Red Paprika Hummus!


Ingredients:
2 cans of Chick Peas or Garbanzo Beans
6-7 Garlic Cloves
1/2 Cup olive oil
2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
Black Pepper
Red Paprika Powder
1 Tbsp Fresh or Dried Parsley
3 tbsp Red Pepper Pickle (Ready Made)

Procedure:
Grind all the ingredients to a smooth paste. Better if you start with garlic, chick peas and then rest of the stuff.

Can also serve with oven roasted pita chips.

Greek Salad!
Cut : Tomato, Red Onions and Cucumbers.
Seasonings: Whisk olive oil, lemon Juice, salt, black pepper, oregano and thyme.


Serve: Toasted Pita Pockets with Chicken and Salad inside with some hummus dip on the side.
Don't forget the jalapenos and hot sauce for Spice lovers.

By now, it seems Chicago is winning against Indianapolis, because i see cheers and jumps all around the house. Even Buster(Cute Huge Dog) seems to be elated. It might be Chicago's win or my Mediterranean chicken pieces that i fed him all through the game . Lets hope both!
This ends my weekend. I am ready for another week of work!