Shawarma casserole is a delightful fusion dish that combines elements of traditional shawarma with the hearty nature of a casserole. The result is a meal that's rich in spices, packed with protein, and incredibly satisfying. Imagine the taste of shawarma, but in a form that's easy to share and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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Shawarma Casserole
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Shawarma Casserole
Ingredients
For the casserole
- 1 white onion chopped
- 500 g 1 pound ground chicken
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon tumeric
- ½ teaspoon dry oregano
- salt and pepper
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 ½ cup rice
For the sauce/serving
- ⅓ cup tahini
- ¼ cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup water
- sliced chili
- cilantro
- chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
- In a large skillet preheat some olive oil and saute white onions for 10 minutes or until slightly golden. Add spices and heat them up for 1 minute. Mix in ground chicken and cook for 10 minutes.1 white onion, ½ teaspoon ground coriander, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon tumeric, ½ teaspoon dry oregano, salt and pepper, 500 g 1 pound ground chicken
- Stir in the tomato paste and 1 cup of chicken stock, add the rice in and mix well.¼ cup tomato paste, 3 cups chicken stock, 1 ½ cup rice
- Transfer the casserole mix into the baking pan and pour remaining stock over. Bake for 40-45 minutes, covered with foil.
- Meanwhile whisk ingredients for the sauce.⅓ cup tahini, ¼ cup yogurt, 2 tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ cup water
- Remove the foil from the pan, drizzle with sauce on top, then sprinkle with cilantro, crushed chips and sliced chilis.sliced chili, cilantro, chips
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 500 g (1 pound) ground chicken
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon tumeric
- ½ teaspoon dry oregano
- salt and pepper
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 ½ cup rice
For the sauce/serving:
- ⅓ cup tahini
- ¼ cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup water
- sliced chili
- cilantro
- chips
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
In a large skillet preheat some olive oil and saute white onions for 10 minutes or until slightly golden. Add spices and heat them up for 1 minute. Mix in ground chicken and cook for 10 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and 1 cup of chicken stock, add the rice in and mix well.
Transfer the casserole mix into the baking pan and pour remaining stock over. Bake for 40-45 minutes, covered with foil.
Meanwhile whisk ingredients for the sauce.
Remove the foil from the pan, drizzle with sauce on top, then sprinkle with cilantro, crushed chips and sliced chilis.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
Fresh Salads
Pairing your shawarma casserole with a fresh salad can add a refreshing contrast to the dish. Consider options like a cucumber-tomato salad or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The crisp vegetables and tangy dressing will complement the rich flavors of the casserole beautifully.
Pita Bread
Pita bread is a classic accompaniment for any Middle Eastern dish. Use it to scoop up the casserole or enjoy it on the side. You can even warm it up slightly for an extra touch of comfort.
Pickled Vegetables
Pickled vegetables, such as pickled turnips or cucumbers, add a bright, tangy element that cuts through the richness of the casserole. They're easy to prepare or can be bought ready-made from most grocery stores.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Spice It Up
Don't be afraid to play around with the spices. While our recipe calls for a specific blend, you can adjust the quantities to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, add a bit more paprika or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
Perfecting the Rice
The key to a great shawarma casserole is ensuring that the rice is perfectly cooked. Make sure to stir the rice well with the other ingredients before baking to ensure even cooking. If you find the rice a bit too dry, you can add a little extra chicken stock.
Garnishing Like a Pro
When it comes to garnishing, presentation is everything. Sprinkle the cilantro and crushed chips just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch. The vibrant colors will make your dish look as good as it tastes.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground chicken, you can substitute it with ground beef, lamb, or even turkey. Each type of meat will bring its unique flavor to the dish.
How Long Does It Keep?
Shawarma casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It's perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Is It Gluten-Free?
Yes, our recipe is gluten-free as it uses rice instead of pasta or other gluten-containing grains. Just ensure that any stock or spices you use are also gluten-free.
Can I Make It Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version of the shawarma casserole, you can replace the meat with plant-based alternatives such as lentils, chickpeas, or your favourite meat substitutes. This allows you to retain the robust flavours while catering to vegetarian diets.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Definitely! Shawarma casserole freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
What Variations Can I Try?
Feel free to get creative! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the casserole. Additionally, try different spice blends or even cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, for added richness. Each variation will give a unique twist to this classic dish.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, celebrated for their ease of preparation and the delightful way they bring together diverse flavours in a single dish. Check out these satisfying casseroles that will elevate your culinary repertoire and inspire your meal planning:
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