Iraqi Shawarma Recipe: A Must-Try Delight for Food Lovers
Iraqi shawarma, a beloved street food, offers a perfect blend of seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich sauces wrapped in soft Saj bread. While shawarma can be found in many Middle Eastern countries, the Iraqi twist is distinctive, thanks to the unique spice combinations and sauces that accompany it. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also represents the heart of Iraqi street culture. If you're visiting Iraq or simply want to try Iraqi cuisine at home, this recipe will guide you step by step.
how to make Iraqi chicken shawarma, the essential ingredients, and three delicious homemade sauces to elevate your shawarma experience.
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Ingredients for Iraqi Shawarma
Creating authentic Iraqi shawarma involves fresh ingredients and flavorful spices. Below is a detailed breakdown of the components:
Main Ingredients for Shawarma
Chicken breasts: 1 kg, sliced into even strips
Yogurt: 1 cup (for marination)
Olive oil: 4 tbsp (for marinade)
Lemon juice: 2 tbsp (for acidity)
Saj bread: 5-6 pieces (or pita bread as an alternative)
Cooking fat: Lamb fat (optional) or vegetable oil
Spices for the Marinade
Cumin: 1 tsp
Coriander: 1 tsp
Paprika: 2 tsp
Garlic powder: 1 tsp
Onion powder: 1 tsp
Black pepper: 1 tsp
Salt: To taste
Vegetables and Garnishes
Potatoes: 2 large, for frying
Bell pepper: 1, sliced
Pickles: 1 cup, sliced
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Homemade Shawarma Sauces
Iraqi shawarma is known for its variety of sauces. Here are the recipes for three sauces you’ll need:
1. Creamy Potato Sauce
Boiled potatoes: 1 large
Tahini (Raashi): 1 tbsp
Yogurt: 4 tbsp
Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Salt: To taste
A clove garlic
Preparation:
Peel the boiled potato and blend it with tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
2. Garlic Sauce (Toum)
Mayonnaise: 4 tbsp
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Preparation:
Mix the mayonnaise with the minced garlic to create a smooth garlic sauce.
3. Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce
Mayonnaise:2 tbsp
Ketchup: 2 tbsp
Paprika: 1 tsp
Hot chili sauce: 1 tsp
Preparation:
Blend mayonnaise, ketchup, paprika, and chili sauce until well combined.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Iraqi Shawarma
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. Slice the chicken breasts into thin, even strips to ensure uniform cooking.
2. In a large bowl, prepare the marinade by combining yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Add the chicken strips to the marinade and mix well until each piece is evenly coated.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken for 1 to 3 hours. This marination helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with the spices.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
1. Heat a skillet over high heat. If available, use lamb fat (sham), as it adds an authentic Iraqi flavor to the chicken. If not, regular vegetable oil will work fine.
2. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken strips.
3. Sauté the chicken over high heat to prevent it from releasing too much moisture. This keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly crispy on the outside.
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Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Potatoes
1. Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them into thin strips for frying.
2. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the potatoes until golden brown. Set them aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Slice the bell pepper and pickles into thin strips for easy layering in the shawarma.
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Step 4: Assemble the Shawarma Sandwich
1. Take a piece of Saj bread and spread one of the prepared sauces—either the potato sauce, garlic sauce, or spicy mayonnaise—over the surface.
2. Add a layer of fried potatoes, followed by sautéed chicken strips.
3. Top the chicken with sliced bell peppers and pickles.
4. If you enjoy spicy food, drizzle some extra chili sauce or paprika over the sandwich.
5. Roll the bread tightly around the filling to create a compact shawarma wrap.
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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the shawarma wraps immediately for the best taste. Pair them with additional dipping sauces in small bowls to allow diners to customize each bite. Whether you’re a fan of garlic, creamy potato, or spicy mayo sauces, you’ll find a perfect match for your taste buds.
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Why Iraqi Shawarma Stands Out
Iraqi shawarma is unique due to its special blend of spices and the use of lamb fat (if available) for cooking, which gives the dish a rich flavor. The sauces also offer a distinctive twist, with tahini and potato-based dressings not commonly found in other shawarma recipes. This combination of flavors makes Iraqi shawarma an unforgettable culinary experience.
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Tips for Making the Perfect Shawarma at Home
Marination time: For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours. If you’re short on time, 1 hour will still provide decent flavor.
Cooking temperature: Use high heat to sauté the chicken quickly without drying it out.
Sauce variety: Offer all three sauces to give your guests a choice of flavors.
Vegetable options: You can add other vegetables, such as tomatoes or cucumbers, for extra freshness.
Bread alternatives: If Saj bread is unavailable, pita bread or any flatbread will work as a substitute.
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Making Iraqi shawarma at home is a great way to experience the flavors of Iraq. This recipe showcases the essential elements of Iraqi cuisine—fresh ingredients, bold spices, and delicious sauces. Whether you’re preparing it for friends, family, or just yourself, this shawarma recipe will transport you straight to the streets of Baghdad.