Chickpea shawarma is like a culinary magic carpet ride—taking your taste buds on a flavorful journey without ever leaving your kitchen. The spices, a riot of aromas, bring to mind bustling street markets and the warmth of distant lands. It’s a dish that dances between tradition and innovation, offering comfort and surprise in every bite.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix the rinsed and dried chickpeas with oil and spices, then spread them evenly on the baking sheet.
- Roast the chickpeas in the oven for about 25 minutes until they become slightly crispy and golden brown. Once cooled a bit, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more sea salt, cumin, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- As the chickpeas roast, create the sauce by combining hummus, lemon juice, dill, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl. Whisk these ingredients together, adding water or almond milk to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Adjust the sauce’s flavor by adding more garlic for zing, salt for savoriness, lemon juice for freshness, or dill for a stronger herb taste as needed.
- Warm the pita or flatbread in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in the oven for about a minute. Assemble the sandwich by layering the warmed bread with roasted chickpeas, sauce, and your choice of vegetables.
- Serve immediately for the best taste, although leftover chickpeas and sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and dried
- 1 tablespoon grape seed oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup hummus (or tahini)
- Approximately 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from half a lemon)
- 3/4 to 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 to 3 tablespoons water or unsweetened almond milk (to thin)
- Sea salt to taste (optional)
- Vegan pita or flatbread (ensure gluten-free if needed)
- Sliced tomato (optional)
- Sliced red onion (optional)
- Romaine lettuce or fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Chili garlic sauce (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1492 | Carbohydrates: 257.6 g | Protein: 50.4 g | Fat: 29.2 g | Saturated Fat: 3.2 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14.72 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6.84 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 3652 mg | Potassium: 956 mg | Fiber: 24.8 g | Sugar: 14 g | Vitamin A: 600 IU | Vitamin C: 23.2 mg | Calcium: 480 mg | Iron: 14.4 mg
FAQ
- What is Shawarma?
- Shawarma is a traditional dish from the Levantine Arab region, often made with seasoned meats like lamb, chicken, turkey, or beef, which are slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is typically served thinly sliced with accompaniments such as tabbouleh, fattoush salad, and various sauces. Although it has Turkish origins, shawarma is popular throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean.
- What spices are in Shawarma Spice Mix?
- Shawarma spice mixes are crafted to enhance the flavor of rotisserie meats and generally include ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice, and cayenne. For this recipe, chickpeas are seasoned with a shawarma-inspired spice blend and roasted until crispy.
- Can I substitute tahini for hummus in the garlic dill sauce?
- Yes, tahini can be used instead of hummus in the garlic dill sauce. You may need to adjust the seasoning to account for the milder flavor of tahini compared to hummus.
- How long does the Chickpea Shawarma Sandwich last in the refrigerator?
- While the sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, leftover chickpeas and sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Is the Chickpea Shawarma Sandwich gluten-free?
- The recipe suggests using vegan pita or flatbread, but to keep it gluten-free, ensure you choose gluten-free options for these components.
Tips
- Ensure your chickpeas are well-rinsed, drained, and thoroughly dried before tossing them with oil and spices. This will help achieve a crispy texture when they are roasted.
- Adjust the garlic dill sauce to your taste by adding more garlic for extra zing, more lemon juice for freshness, or more dill for a stronger herb flavor.
- Warm your pita or flatbread just before serving to enhance the overall texture and warmth of the sandwich.
- Store leftover chickpeas and sauce separately in the refrigerator, as they will keep fresh for 3-4 days, making it easy to assemble another sandwich quickly.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
