Essential Facts About Shawarma Seasoning You Should Know
Shawarma seasoning is a blend of spices that is used to flavor shawarma, a popular Middle Eastern dish. The exact ingredients and proportions of the spices vary depending on the region and culture, but common spices include cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chilli powder.
Shawarma seasoning is typically used to season chicken or lamb before it is cooked on a rotisserie, and the resulting dish is often served wrapped in pita bread or on a plate with rice or vegetables.
Whether you're making shawarma at home or ordering it at a restaurant, understanding the different spices that make up the seasoning can help you appreciate the flavor of this popular dish.
What is Shawarma?
Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish that is typically made of chicken or lamb that has been marinated in a mixture of spices and then cooked on a rotisserie. The meat is thinly sliced and served in a pita bread wrap or on a plate with rice or vegetables. Shawarma is a popular street food in many Middle Eastern countries, and it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, including the United States.
What Spices are in Shawarma Seasoning?
The exact ingredients and proportions of shawarma seasoning vary depending on the region and culture, but there are some common spices that are used in most versions of the seasoning. These spices include cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chilli powder.
Cumin is a spice that is made from the dried seeds of a plant in the parsley family. It has a nutty, earthy flavor and is often used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine.
Paprika is a spice that is made from dried peppers in the Capsicum annuum family. It ranges in color from bright red to deep purple and has a mild, sweet flavor.
Garlic powder is a spice that is made from ground, dried garlic. It has a strong, pungent flavor and is used in many savoury dishes.
Chilli powder is a spice that is made from dried chilli peppers, typically in the Capsicum annuum family. It ranges in color from orange to red and has a fiery, spicy flavor.
In addition to these common spices, other spices, such as cardamom, cloves, coriander, and ginger, may also be used in shawarma seasoning.
How Shawarma Seasoning is Made
There are many ways to make shawarma seasoning. Some people may choose to use a pre-made spice blend, while others may prefer to make their own spice blend at home. Pre-made spice blends are readily available at most grocery stores. These spice blends typically contain a combination of the spices listed above, as well as other spices, such as paprika, cumin, and salt.
To make your own shawarma seasoning at home, you will need to gather the spices listed above. Once you have all of the spices, you will need to grind them into a fine powder using a coffee grinder, spice grinder, or mortar and pestle. Once the spices are ground, you can mix them together in a bowl and store them in an airtight container.
How to Use Shawarma Seasoning
Shawarma seasoning is most commonly used to flavor meat, poultry, and seafood. It can be used as a dry rub or marinade, or added to soups, stews, and other dishes. When using shawarma seasoning as a dry rub, it is typically applied to the meat or poultry before cooking.
For best results, the meat should be allowed to marinate in the seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If using shawarma seasoning as a marinade, the meat or poultry should be marinated for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Shawarma seasoning can also be used to flavor vegetables, rice, and other dishes.
How to Store Shawarma Seasoning
Shawarma seasoning can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Conclusion
Shawarma seasoning is a type of spice blend that is used to make the popular Middle Eastern dish of the same name. The most common ingredients in shawarma seasoning are cumin, paprika, garlic, and chilli powder. These spices are combined to create a flavorful and aromatic spice blend that is perfect for seasoning chicken, lamb, or beef. Shawarma is typically served with rice or pita bread and topped with vegetables and sauces.
Karakoram is one of the best Pakistani restaurants in Vancouver that serves delicious and authentic shawarma and kebab for your cravings. Our extensive range of Pakistani dishes lets you experience the flavors of the Middle East. Eat with us today!