Shawarma

Shawarma is a Levantine Arab meat preparation, where lamb, chicken, turkey, beef, veal, or mixed meats are placed on a spit (commonly a vertical spit in restaurants), and may be grilled for as long as a day.

The shavings are cut off the block of meat for serving, and the remainder of the block of meat is kept heated on the rotating spit. Although it can be served in shavings on a plate (generally with accompaniments), shawarma also refers to a sandwich or wrap made with shawarma meat.

Shawarma is usually eaten with tabbouleh, fattoush, taboon bread, tomato, and cucumber. Toppings include tahini, hummus, pickled turnips, and amba. It is akin to the Turkish doner kebab and the Greek gyros.

How to Make Shawarma

Ingredients:
2 lbs beef, prime rib is best
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup vinegar
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cardamom pods
1 teaspoon allspice
juice from 1 lemon

For the Sauce
1 cup tahini
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons yogurt

For the Pita Fillings
8 loaves of pita bread or 4 large thinly-sliced cucumbers
thinly sliced onions
1/2 teaspoon sumac
thinly sliced tomatoes
1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
pickle slices (optional)

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients except for beef, fillings, and sauce ingredients to make marinade. If it seems a little dry, add a little olive oil (a tablespoon at a time).
2. Add beef, cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
3. In a stockpot or large saucepan, cook beef over medium heat for 45 minutes or until done. Be sure not to overcook!
4. If beef becomes a little dry, add a few tablespoons of water throughout cooking duration.
5. While beef is cooking, prepare the sauce. Combine sauce ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
6. Take the onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and sprinkle with sumac. Add other filling ingredients in a large bowl and combine well.
7. When the beef is done, you can shred it, slice it, or leave into large pieces. As long as it it thinly cut, there is not much difference.
8. Prepare the Pita
9. Place enough beef on pita that cover 1/4 of the loaf. Add veggies and pour sauce. Roll like a soft taco or burrito and you have shawarma! You can also stuff the pocket of the pita if you like.