Lebanese Shawarma Platter is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring marinated and grilled meats, served with a variety of sides such as hummus, tabbouleh, pickles, and pita bread. This platter is perfect for sharing and provides a delicious taste of Lebanese cuisine.

Ingredients

For the Shawarma Marinade:

• 1 lb chicken thighs or beef/lamb (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Juice of 1 lemon

For Serving:

• Pita bread (for wrapping)
• Hummus (store-bought or homemade)
• Tabbouleh salad (see below for ingredients)
• Pickles (such as turnips or cucumbers)
• Tahini sauce (for drizzling)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For the Tabbouleh Salad:

• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup fresh mint (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup tomatoes (diced)
• 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Timing

Making the Lebanese Shawarma Platter takes about 30 minutes for preparation, plus marinating time (at least 1 hour, preferably overnight), and 20 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Meat

1. Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, yogurt, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate Meat: Add the sliced chicken or beef/lamb to the marinade. Mix well to coat the meat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Tabbouleh Salad

1. Cook Bulgur: In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add bulgur wheat, remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
2. Mix Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled bulgur, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and green onions.
3. Dress Salad: Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shawarma

1. Preheat Grill or Skillet: Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Meat: Add the marinated meat to the hot grill or skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and slightly charred.
3. Slice Meat: Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Step 4: Assemble the Platter

1. Arrange Ingredients: On a large platter, arrange the sliced shawarma, hummus, tabbouleh salad, pickles, and pita bread.
2. Drizzle Sauce: Drizzle tahini sauce over the shawarma and garnish with fresh parsley.
3. Serve: Serve warm, allowing everyone to build their own wraps with the pita, meat, hummus, and salad.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Lebanese Shawarma Platter (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	600
Protein	35g
Fat	30g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fiber	8g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Meat Variations: You can use different meats such as lamb, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add More Sides: Include additional sides like baba ghanoush, roasted vegetables, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad for variety.
• Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper in the marinade according to your heat preference.

Conclusion

Lebanese Shawarma Platter is a vibrant and satisfying dish that showcases the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. Perfect for gatherings or a family meal, this platter is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this delightful recipe!