If you’ve never had Shawarma, it is a Middle Eastern street food of meat that has been seasoned, cooked on a spit and served with pita. It’s similar to the Greek gyro, with a different flavor profile.
I love the mix of spices in Shawarma, so much so that I make this blend in large batches and keep it in my pantry to flavor a variety of dishes—from vegetarian and vegetable-forward snacks and meals, such as lentil soup, roasted chickpeas and whole roasted cauliflower, to all kinds of meat dishes, including stews, braises and kebabs.
The flavor profile is a fragrant and delicious combination of earthy, warming and sweetly-spiced tones.
Here’s my version.
Shawarma Spice Blend
Mix together the following:
2 Tbsp ground black pepper
2 Tbsp ground coriander
2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp ground cumin
2 Tbsp smoked paprika
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp ground nutmeg
1 Tbsp ground ginger
1 Tbsp sea salt
Feel free to double, triple and quadruple the recipe as you wish. Store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.